Westcliff High School for Boys The Westcliff Diary T: 01702 475443 E: [email protected] W: www.whsb.essex.sch.uk Issue 84 / Summer 2018

In this issue: House Snow Sculpture competition Westcliff at the Fringe Art, craft & Design evening Visits to Battlefields, CERN, Germany, and Bletchley Park

The Westcliff Diary Page 1 I give all our GCSE and A Level students I am delighted to share with the WHSB chapter in its exciting history having been Attendance From the my best wishes for their examinations this community that Dr Alan White has granted permission to launch its Royal summer. agreed to write a book on the history Navy Section from January 2018. 20 desk of the of the School, and this will be published cadets have been recruited and Mr Hill In previous editions of The Westcliff Diary Westcliff High School in our Centenary year. Many of you has been appointed Officer in Command I have made reference to the importance will know Dr White, a former Head of of the Section. He is joined by Miss Isaac, of pupils’ attendance at School and the Headmaster for Boys Centenary History and Deputy Headmaster at Miss Bailey, Mr Yeo and Mr Marriott, strong correlation between attendance 1920 - 2020 WHSB, and an accomplished author. as officers supporting the Royal Navy and academic performance. The recent Further details of the plans for the Section. The official inauguration of the inclement weather presented the pupils Staff Changes during Forthcoming Public Centenary will be shared in future Royal Navy Section is scheduled to take and staff with an additional challenge. the Spring Term 2018 Examinations The School will celebrate its Centenary editions of The Westcliff Diary and via place on Thursday 26 April 2018 and I am delighted to report that the pupils in 2020 and an interesting introduction the website and other communications. further details are provided on the CCF and staff rose superbly to that challenge. There have been a small number of Later in this edition of The Westcliff to the School’s early beginnings appears We will be looking to pupils, parents pages of this edition of The Westcliff With an almost full staff complement changes to staffing during the Spring Term Diary, Mr Farrell, Head of Middle School, later in this edition of The Westcliff Diary. and members of our wider community Diary. I would like to take this opportunity throughout the weather difficulties, 2018. provides advice for Year 11 pupils as Work on the planning of our Centenary to lend their support to our Centenary to thank all colleagues involved for their lessons were able to continue as usual. I they approach their GCSE Examinations. celebrations in 2020 is well underway, arrangements. The success of the School work in supporting the WHSB CCF. I would like to extend my thanks to pupils, Mrs Barber (Part-Time Teacher of Biology) This is, of course, a highly demanding and we have established a Centenary relies on the strength of its community am particularly grateful to Mr Lyne, our staff and parents for their support and went on maternity leave in January and is term for pupils in both Years 11 and Committee, and a Centenary Team, both and this is a wonderful opportunity for School Staff Instructor (SSI), who provides determination during this period. The being covered by internal rearrangements 13, and Mr Farrell’s advice is equally of which will support the arrangements. our community to come together to invaluable expert advice and guidance. I School’s Learner Profile emphasises the to the School timetable. Ms Bellinghausen relevant for students approaching A Level Our pupils and the staff have been support the School as it enters its next am also delighted to have the opportunity importance of resilience and overcoming will be leaving us to take up a position examinations. The School’s Middle School consulted in the planning stages, and their century. to congratulate Mr Bleakley on his life’s challenges, and the capacity of our as Head of Modern Foreign Languages and Sixth Form Pastoral Offices have ideas will be shared with the Centenary entirely merited promotion from Captain pupils and staff in this regard was much in (MFL) at another school at the start extensive experience of assisting pupils Committee during the Summer Term. Inauguration of the to Major. evidence during the inclement weather. of the Summer Term. We thank her through this demanding period and pupils for her service and wish her well. We and parents should not hesitate to contact The objectives for the Centenary WHSB CCF Royal Navy have sufficient capacity to maintain the the School if they have concerns or wish have been agreed by the Centenary Section continuity of teaching for the Summer to seek our advice. Committee. These include providing Term and we shall be making some MFL opportunities for the entire WHSB teaching appointments for the Autumn Once again, the School has provided a community (past and present) to mark In January 2015 the School celebrated Term. Mr Keenan, an Old Westcliffian, will broad range of Examination Revision the year. We also hope to establish a the inauguration of the WHSB join the School at the start of the Summer Classes for our GCSE and A Level Centenary Fund to support an agreed Combined Cadet Force (CCF). Since that Term to teach English. students during the Easter holiday, and project(s), and we plan to fully exploit time the WHSB CCF has continued to I would like to take this opportunity to the educational opportunities arising grow from strength to strength. This I wish to take this opportunity to thank the members of staff involved in from the Centenary for our pupils. The has been the result of the enthusiasm congratulate Mr Williams on his recent organizing those classes. Students have Centenary will also allow an opportunity and dedication shown by the cadets appointment as Deputy Headmaster at also been provided with guidance and to further strengthen our links to the local and the staff volunteers under the WHSB and to thank him for his superb resources which should be utilised in the community and our alumni. excellent leadership of Mr Bleakley. work as the Acting Deputy Headmaster. organization of their revision. The WHSB CCF now enters a new

Capital Development Projects Mr Despres’ Retirement Despres would be delighted to hear from you, although he has asked me to share The School, in conjunction with the Education & Skills Funding with you that he would like to use the Agency (ESFA), has developed plans to refurbish its Technology After 37 years of superb service at WHSB, occasion of his retirement to raise funds Building. The refurbishment will include the installation of a Mr Despres will retire from teaching for the Aaron Lewis Foundation (AFL). As lift to improve access, as well as remodelling the upper floor to in August 2018. Mr Despres joined the most in our community will be aware, ALF enable the installation of a full-sized and fully equipped Food School in 1981 and, during that period, was set up following the tragic death of Lt Technology room. The new facility will incorporate cooking has taken on a number of senior positions Aaron Lewis, an Old Westcliffian, whilst in facilities to enable an entire class to cook at the same time. The including Head of PSHEE, Head of the service of his country in Afghanistan refurbishment will also involve some small-scale remodelling Biology, Specialist School Community in 2008. ALF was the nominated charity of to the lower floor, and the external doors and windows will all Links Co-ordinator (pioneering the the School in 2015 and we were delighted be replaced. The project will require the Technology Building School’s enormously successfully to welcome Aaron’s mother and father to close for the duration of the works. The refurbishment is due Science Roadshow for local primary and other members of the charity to to commence during the Easter holidays and the completion is schools) and Outward Bounds Education the School to speak on the superb work scheduled for the end of the summer holiday period, in time for Co-ordinator. Mr Despres has always undertaken by ALF. Those wishing to the start of the new academic year in September 2018. enjoyed a high profile at the School and make a donation to ALF, and to wish Mr many will remember his role in support Despres well in his retirement, can do so The School will also be working with the EFSA to add a small of School sport. However, it is perhaps by going to his JustGiving page at https:// extension to the north end of the Science Building. The his leadership of the WHSB Annual Ski www.justgiving.com/fundraising/des- extension will provide one additional 90m2 fully equipped Trip across the last 37 years that will despres. Science laboratory. The School’s Science facilities have been come to mind for many current and Old significantly improved in the last three years and the addition Westcliffians. Across those 37 years, it is We shall have the opportunity to mark Mr of this laboratory will further enhance the quality of Science estimated that Mr Despres, supported by Despres’ retirement towards the end of provision at the School. We are most grateful to the EFSA for other colleagues, enabled 1,750 pupils to this term, however I would like to take this their generous support with this project. enjoy the experience of skiing. I am sure opportunity to offer our sincere thanks, that so many Old Westcliffians and their on behalf of all pupils (past and present), families will want to wish Mr Despres parents and the Staff and Governors at well in his well-deserved retirement. Mr WHSB his excellent service at the School. Tickets for all Westcliff Diary events can be purchased via TicketSource at http://whsb.ticketsource.co.uk/

Page 2 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 3 parents or older pupils at Westcliff. My complete (including a one-side Personal myself to explore the options. If handled Young people often think that carrying a School News colleagues and I are also here to listen and Statement) by the October Half Term. with a positive mind, this period of time knife offers them protection when in fact The audience has the opportunity to ask to help. Your subject teachers are always Students applying for Medical, Dentistry, can be one of the most rewarding of the it puts them more at risk. a range of high-level questions in order to Enrichment Day – available to deal with specific issues which Veterinary or Oxbridge courses have a Sixth Form – there is indeed something check understanding. These examinations may be worrying you and, if your concerns tighter deadline, and should complete for everyone, and it never does harm to Resilience: Young people are more aware count towards their final marks. Recent Summer Term are of a more general nature, then do their side of the application by the end lift your eyes to the horizon to glimpse the of the influences, fears and pressures presentations have been fascinating and Friday 6 July 2018 come and see Mr Williams or me and we of September at the latest. For potential myriad possibilities. that can lead to the decision to carry a have included a variety of topics, such as: will do our best to allay your fears. You Apprentices, the need for research is, if knife and how these can be managed or clinical trials, female genital mutilation, Friday 6 July promises to be an exciting must, however, communicate. anything, more urgent as applications Dr A Machacek avoided. Brexit, cancer treatment and 18th day for all Year Groups. Year 7 will be will need to be tailored to particular Assistant Head Century Russian music. visiting Southend to complete Geography Study Leave commences from 21 May. In companies, and deadlines for applying Responsibility: Young people are aware of and Mathematics-related activities, the week prior to that pupils will attend can be as early as September of Year 13. PSHEE: Knife Crime the importance of telling someone if they Students’ research is between 7,000 and whilst Year 8 put the finishing touches timetabled lessons when they do not have Such students are advised to seek the know that someone else is carrying a knife 8,000 words in length and is written as a to their House Drama preparations. The an examination, but will be free to carry advice and guidance of Mrs Weller, our (this is an important aspect of prevention university-style dissertation. The projects Pupils will cover a range of topical current vast majority of Year 9 will be visiting out their own independent revision. Also, Work-Related Learning Co-ordinator, as work and is relevant to all young people). are marked three times: firstly, by the affairs issues in Key Stage 4 and 5 PSHEE the Battlefields of Belgium and France during this period, there will be arranged soon as possible. She is able to meet with student’s supervisor, secondly, by myself, lessons this term. A major area for focus with the History Department. Year revision sessions in certain subjects students on Wednesdays and Thursdays Pupils will have the opportunity to learn and finally by the Examination Board. will be knife crime. 10 pupils have a day of Careers Skills where the examination is imminent and in her office (E18) which can be found about real life examples and be able They are graded in the same way as A to look forward to, including mock there will be compulsory attendance for at the bottom of the stairs next to Mrs to express their views in a controlled Levels and are worth half the UCAS points The purpose of the sessions will be to interviews. Our Year 12 students will selected pupils. Mumford’s office. learning environment. of a full A Level. make real headway with their plans for highlight the personal and legal risks and consequences of carrying a knife. life after WHSB with a Higher Education May I take this opportunity to wish you WHSB provides particular events to This qualification is aimed at the most The following objectives comes from Mr R Barber Day to include UCAS applications all the best with your examinations as you assist students (and parents) with the able, hardworking and intellectually the ‘no knives, better lives’ educational PHSEE Coordinator as well as information about Higher approach the conclusion of your time in decisions to be made. On Wednesday curious students in the School. Learners campaign and the ‘4 Rs’ will be embedded Apprenticeships and Employment. the Middle School. 20 June, all Year 12 students will have start their work at the end of Year 12 and in this programme of study. These are: Breadth Studies the opportunity to visit the UCAS complete their projects in Year 13. The Reassurance, Risks, Resilience and Mrs K Mumford Exhibition at the University of Essex in Russell Group universities highly regard Mr A Farrell Responsibility. This term, Year 13 EPQ (Extended Project Assistant Head Colchester. All major universities are this qualification and the EPQ can help Head of Middle School Qualification) dissertation students are represented at that event, and students students gain access to highly competitive Reassurance: Young people are aware busily preparing for their presentations can collect prospectuses as well as courses. Year 11 – The Year 12 and the Future that knife carrying is not common (this and vivas. This is where they present directing particular questions to the is important as protection is a common their research to an audience which Challenge Ahead representatives from each institution. If you have any questions about this Each year, the range of options open reason given for knife carrying). includes myself and their supervisor, as There are also talks on a wide range of qualification, please contact me for an Our Year 11 pupils return after the to Sixth Formers on leaving School well as other students. The presentations subjects to do with course choice and appointment. Easter Holiday to a challenging GCSE becomes larger, and potentially more Risks and consequences: Young people cover the following: a review of the the application process. That same Public Examination period that runs from bewildering. While most of our students are aware of the very serious legal and literature, research methodology, findings, day, at 7.30pm, we hold our evening Mr R Barber 14 May until the 26 June. Pupils at this aspire to study a traditional subject at a personal risks and consequences of conclusions, an evaluation and possible presentation at the School for Year 12 Head of Breadth Studies stage of their education in the Middle good British university, a variety of other carrying a knife or any offensive weapon. future avenues of research. students and their parents. During the School should, after adhering to their colleges offering very specialist courses, presentation, information will be given revision programmes extensively over the study abroad, and the increasingly to help with decision making, and the break, feel in control of the situation and popular direct routes into employment Internet Safety and • The nature of addiction; waking up a very different boy. I have also application process will be explained. A confident of entering the Examination (particularly Degree Apprenticeships). • Changes in behaviour associated with changed my own screen usage. In the past comprehensive booklet will be given Mental Health Evening Hall. There will be some, however, who the advent of the smartphone; when I woke in the night, I would either read out with further information. We do are not so self-assured of their position For the budding university student, it is - Rerun • Sleep-wake patterns; on a tablet or possibly play Solitaire, often expect all Year 12 students to be present and who are finding the situation rather important that time is spent during the Wednesday 9 May 2018, 7.30pm • The association between technology leading to a couple of hours of idle activity at this event with a family member to daunting and stressful. The worry of this, Summer Term (and Summer Holiday) use and particular mental health and rarely would I go back to fully restful ensure that they can benefit from this of course, may be detrimental to their considering courses, and once a course outcomes. sleep. I have moved back onto paperbacks, information – most of which will be performance and so to their eventual is chosen, specific universities can be In response to popular demand, the which in itself seems to have stopped me presented by our Higher Education Co- outcomes. studied in depth and visited. While School will again offer an evening lecture Helen Smith, a parent at the School, has waking up as much, and if I do I am actually ordinator, Mr Stevens, whose knowledge the range of courses is bewildering, it on Internet Safety and Mental Health. provided this perspective on the evening: able to fall back to sleep relatively quickly if I is encyclopaedic and up-to-date. To those pupils in this position, the first is never too soon to start investigating This event is open to both parents and avoid screens. thing to realise is that you are not alone. what is on offer, as it is only as the detail pupils and the content will be the same as I attended the Adolescent Internet and Once students return from the May Thousands of pupils across the country is explored that questions and ideas form for the previous lecture. Mental Health evening in January and I Tickets are available on TicketSource. Half Term, extensive time will be made are all in a similar situation. If you are in a student’s mind which can eventually have to say I felt pretty confident going into available to each student, in their Form worried, and this may manifest itself in germinate into a decision. It is therefore A short synopsis of the content follows: it. We ration computer use to one hour per Mr J Bleakley Group, to discuss their thoughts with their you not sleeping or eating properly, the pleasing to note that Year 12 students Information Communication Technology day on computers in a public space, the Head of Lower School Form Tutor, and work on their application. worst thing that you can do is keep it to are already using the UniFrog database has revolutionised the way we interact children also have iPads, phones etc. but This will culminate in our Enrichment Day yourself. You should talk openly about to research their options at university and communicate, from something these log out from the internet at times on Friday 6 July. Visiting speakers will your fears and concerns with others and with apprenticeships. However as simple as a telephone call or a text appropriate to their ages. We are “friends” give advice on course selection and the who have been through the examination the decision is made, students will need message, to online banking, applying for a on relevant accounts so we can patrol their writing of Personal Statements, and at system. This may be elder siblings, your to have their application more-or-less passport or managing bills and taxes. posts, we check browser histories and try to least one past student will speak on the stay informed as to which apps are showing option of entering employment directly. ICT has also changed the way young locations etc. The smug look didn’t last long – Time will also be made available to use people interact and has consequent the seminar was quite an eye opener. I would the computers to amend applications and effects on the way their brain functions, recommend that every student attends this research courses. sometimes leading to addiction and as parroting it back to them did not go well. mental health difficulties. In this session, Neither did the removal of the week-old iPad It is essential that students find the time we will look at: which my son had saved for, however by the to speak to Mr Stevens, Mrs Weller, • Restructuring of the brain during second night he knew there was no point subject specialists, Form Tutors and adolescence; arguing and by the third morning he was

Page 4 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 5 Trips & Visits Visit to Germany After Munich, we drove to the city of respective views on a potential deal with Nuremberg where we visited the Nazi one another, following the shock election rally grounds where Hitler showcased the result. Visit to Bletchley Park During the February Half Term, History A Level students went on a week-long new German Wehrmacht which, due to educational trip to Germany to learn its size, violated the terms of the Treaty The final two days were spent in and about the country’s economic and political of Versailles which had restricted the size around Berlin, attending famous locations During February, a number of Year 10 and of the German armed forces after WW1. such as Checkpoint Charlie, the Bridge 11 Computing pupils visited Bletchley history, allowing us to further our studies of Germany from 1871-1990. This proved to be a personal highlight of Spies and various parts of the Berlin Park. What follows is an account of the of the trip, as we were able to stand at Wall. The Berlin Wall was another trip, as told by three of the pupils. After a traumatic departure at 3.00am, the podium where Hitler himself stood personal highlight, as I remember us the first two days were spent in Munich, during the annual Nazi rallies which standing in the no man’s land area with a On the morning of the visit to the National were conducted from 1923 to 1938 watchtower looming over us while having Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park, the capital of the Bavarian state which was the original and favourite city of and were commemorated in the famous the recurring thought that had I been we were lucky enough to enjoy a trip film, Triumph of the Will – an amazing standing there fifty years ago, I would through the history of computing. Lead the Nazis. On the first day, we went on a walking tour to learn about the Nazi Trail experience. have been shot by the East Berlin soldiers by a well-versed expert on the subject, on guard. we began in wartime England and the and Beer Hall putsch, followed by dinner at the Hofbraühaus where we enjoyed Our next leg of the trip was to fly to development of technologies like Tunny We then came to the final room where Berlin where we stayed from Thursday Overall, the trip was fascinating while and Colossus to help decrypt messages we were told we would be programming Bavarian entertainment and sampled traditional food. to Sunday. On the first day we went to also being immensely enjoyable and will sent by the German high command; a simple game: Snake. It was a slight the Museum of ‘Society and Politics in prove to be very useful for our study of machines so large that they took up entire downgrade from the previous games we the German Empire’, where we learnt Germany next year – I would thoroughly rooms yet completed such a basic task had been able to play, however, we were The next morning we went to the Munich Documentation Centre for the History about Germany in the Second Reich, or recommend it to pupils considering when compared with modern computers. able to programme the game ourselves, the Kaiserreich. We learnt more about studying history at A Level. On behalf of and more excitingly, we would also be able of National Socialism, where we learnt about the growth of Nazism in Germany current German politics the following day all those who went on the trip, I would We then moved to see a demonstration to hack the game ourselves. with a visit to the Bundestag, the German like to thank Mr. Jeffreys for organising of the WITCH, the world’s oldest working from the early 1920s up until its eventual demise in 1945. This was followed by equivalent to the Houses of Parliament, an incredibly varied and informative trip, digital computer before being guided After being briefed on what we needed where we met with politicians from the and Mr Neagus and Miss Jäcker for giving to the era of home computers – the to code we went to the computers, which a tour of the BMW factory in Munich, learning about how firms such as BMW CDU, the party of Angela Merkel, and up their Half Term to accompany us on the 1950s. We were shocked and in awe at After lunch we embarked on a tour were in the adjoining room. We entered to the SDP, the left-wing group. This was trip, and their contribution to the great the size of the magnetic storage drives around the different workshops, the first be amazed by computers we thought to be and Volkswagen were fundamental in how Germany became and remains particularly interesting as at that point experience. which contained only a fraction of what of which was Artificial Intelligence along ancient, but which were, however, familiar the Chancellor had been unable to strike is possible today but were as large as a the lines of programming a simplified to our teachers. An echoing screech was the industrial powerhouse of post-war Europe. a deal with the SDP, and thus we were Marcus Kelly toddler! version of Siri. Our task was to create filling the room as we were told one of the able to ask the politicians about their Year 12 a program that responds to questions computers made a horrible high-pitched Finally, the most memorable part of the sounding as human as possible and it sound; there were earmuffs for those who tour arrived – the 1980s. In this section should respond to our questions clearly. could not bear the sound. we got to use computers and consoles We were given a template to do this on from the 60’s to modern consoles, playing Python and got on with the task, working We were given a sheet with the BBC timeless classic games like Lemmings, in small groups. Basic code necessary to programme Snake Super Mario Bros and Crash Bandicoot and we began coding in the outdated as well as the infamous Mario Kart on Afterwards, when we realised that this language we had never used on our Rainbow Road. Overall, it was a fantastic work formed part of someone’s actual, school computers. Once we had the code experience to start the day and a brilliant paid job, some of us were very excited at working we had the choice to either play way to prepare us for the tasks which lay the possibilities working in this area could the game and attempt a high score, or try ahead. bring. to hack the code to make the game more exciting. As some were achieving high Sri Haran Loganathan Prem Ravichandran scores, others had hacked the game to Year 10 Year 10 make the game achieve unjust scores. At the end of the session, we had achieved a high score to add to the Bletchley Park leader board with Sam Hughes achieving an impressive score of 607, without having cheating through hacking.

Overall, the experience of programming on primitive computers made me more grateful of our school computers and the programming languages we have available to us in our modern times.

Gabriel Leroy Year 11

Page 6 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 7 Trips & Visits A Level Physics Boot arranged for Sixth Formers from a wide Science Camp range of backgrounds to build mastery of the basics of Physics A Level. The event Ski Trip: A Retrospective As reported in last term’s Diary, it was our was a great success, and will be repeated and teachers is shown here. privilege to take part in the national Isaac in August for a fresh group of students The 2018 Ski trip was, in my opinion, by far the best ski trip yet. Physics Boot Camp at Churchill College about to embark on Year 13. Mr K Dalby/Dr A Machacek Since I went on the trip last year I thought I knew what to expect, and the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge A photo of one of the groups of students Head of Physics/Assistant Head however this year seemed much more enjoyable. The hard work of all the teachers paid off and I would like to thank them all on behalf of all those who went on the trip.

After the 17-hour long journey (which wasn’t that bad if you paired it with movies, games, and a lot of sleep) we arrived in Hochfügen. The first thing we did was head down to Ski-fit to get all of our equipment: skis, poles, boots, and helmets. Once that was sorted, we headed back to the hotel to relax and unpack. We ended the day with a hearty portion of schnitzel (fried pork in batter) and an early night to get ready for the week ahead.

The first day of skiing was just a warm-up session as many people, including me, were quite rusty as we had not skied since this time last year. We started off gently using only the minor ski lifts and staying on the training slope.

The next few sessions were a blur. All I can remember is a mixture of eating, sleeping and skiing with only the afternoon event for recuperation. The first night there was a quiz in which, I admit, I became extremely competitive near the end. It was a test of one’s general knowledge in different topics such as films and music. Visit by Professor For the following two days we were divided into two groups Mark Warner and one group went bowling while the other stayed in the hotel Tuesday 1 May 2018 and vice versa. We did not play the usual 10-pin bowling, but a German alternative called Kegeln. It is quite different to normal It gives us great pleasure to announce bowling as you have to knock over a certain number of pins for that Professor Mark Warner, FRS, will the number of times equal to its value - for example, you have to be visiting the School on Tuesday 1 May. knock over 1 one, 2 twos, 3 threes and so on. During the day, he will be giving a talk to Year 11 and Sixth Form Physics students The next day we went ice skating and we were not the only ones on Angular Momentum and how it can there. We were accompanied on the rink by four extremely good explain the counter-intuitive phenomenon skaters who are probably the next Olympic ice skating team for of gyroscopic precession (enabling a Austria. There were many falls and a lot of fails, to say the least. heavy wheel to appear to float in mid- The perk of the ice rink, however, was that you could get pizza air). He will also be speaking to students which always seems to satisfy people. on the best way of preparing for study at our nation’s most academic universities. The following day we went to the Hochfügen ‘Fire and Ice In addition, Professor Warner will visit Show’ right next to us on the slopes. This was a death-defying lessons and meet staff and students for stunt show on the slopes where skiers, snowboarders, and even conversations. A flavour of some of these is given below which he co-directs with Dr Lisa quad bikes went off ramps high into the air. There were also as background to the proposed projects. Jardine-Wright of Churchill College, choreographed fire and light performances. Professor Warner is one of the founders For this, he received a Maxwell Medal Cambridge. Together, they secured a of the field of liquid crystal elastomers, and Prize and a von Humboldt Research grant from the Department of Education The most anticipated afternoon activity was the swimming. This which has yielded many exotic phenomena Prize. In 2003, Professor Warner was which has enabled them to provide was not the typical ‘David Lloyd-esque’ swimming pool; this was that are now confirmed experimentally. awarded the Agilent Technology Prize by online and printed resources together an indoor water park. It had two enormous slides, a whirlpool the European Physical Society. Professor with mentoring opportunities (online machine, wave machine, fountains, and lots of other facilities. Warner was born in New Zealand and face-to-face) enabling the nation’s This was by far the best excursion on the ski trip and I think and attended school in Auckland. He young physicists to learn mathematical almost everyone would agree. studied Mathematics and Physics as an problem-solving skills through engaging undergraduate in Cambridge, before and challenging tasks. He is also famous At the end of the trip, my group and I were going to the top of completing his PhD in London. He is a on YouTube for his role in providing a the mountain using the chair-lifts and the cable cars. We went on Fellow and Director of Studies at Corpus theoretical explanation of the ‘Mould lots of black and red slopes (black being the most difficult) which Christi College, Cambridge, as well as Effect’ where a chain of ball bearings, on was scary at first but a worthwhile experience. The views at the holding a professorial position at the falling out of a beaker, can trace exotic and top of the mountain were none other than breath-taking and I Cavendish Laboratory. beautiful patterns in the air. encourage all experienced and inexperienced skiers to go on this trip in the future. You will not regret it. More recently, Professor Warner has Mr K Dalby/Dr A Machacek greatly enhanced Physics education Head of Physics/Assistant Head Thomas Baldwin in secondary schools throughout the Year 9 UK through the Isaac Physics project,

Page 8 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 9 Trips & Visits Duke of Edinburgh for their assessment which will take place visited WHSB, will be joining us at the from 15-18 July, after their summer Somme and pupils can expect an eye- Award: Expedition and examinations. opening educational visit. Visit to the Isle of Progress 9-10 June 2018 Mr H Tresidder We look forward to giving pupils a Arran DofE Leader valuable insight into the experience of 23-29 June 2018 With the New Year came a new cohort soldiers in The Great War. Planning is well of Duke of Edinburgh participants. 2018 Great War underway for our trip in 2019 and it is Geological field studies are a compulsory In January, we opened applications pleasing that so many pupils have signed requirement for students studying for the Bronze Award and, due to the Battlefields Tour up for this! A Level Geology. As part of the new increased number and strength of those 6-9 July 2018 Eduqas specification, the field trip will applications, the decision was made to Mr S Neagus be undertaken on the Isle of Arran increase the intake from the usual 30 This summer sees the 28th annual visit Teacher of History between Saturday 23 June and Friday 29 participants to 42 for this year. The cohort to the Great War Battlefields in France June and will be based at the Lochranza has been divided into their expedition and Belgium organised by the History Year 12 English trip to Field Studies Centre on the north of the groups and most have selected their Department. Around 90 pupils from Island. The Isle of Arran is considered to activities for the Skills, Volunteering and Year 9 are due to attend and there is a Stratford-upon-Avon be a world-class location for geological Physical Sections. Unfortunately the packed schedule of tours and visits over Tuesday 1 May 2018 studies because, in a relatively small planned training walk around Hockley the weekend with the focus on the British geographical area, many topics of interest Woods was cancelled due to snow, and and Allied experience of warfare on the On Tuesday 1 May, Year 12 students will to geologists can be studied. Such studies this training will take place at a time which Western Front. Pupils will spend a full day be travelling to Stratford-upon-Avon to range from igneous rocks and volcanism, will be advertised in due course. They around the Belgian city of Ypres where attend a conference about Othello run metamorphism of rocks and their plate will complete their Practice Expedition four major battles were fought, most by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. tectonic settings, fossils, folding and from 9-10 June around Danbury, with notoriously the Battle of Passchendaele. Students will attend a series of seminars faulting of rocks and much more besides. their assessment being 22-23 September, and workshops, and will also have the For some of the time, students will be based at Skreens Park. Pupils will spend another full day visiting chance to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace undertaking investigative work with sites on the Somme Battlefield and during the day. The seminars will have a respect to the opening of the North to build on their field knowledge and the modern world of employment. The 27-29 April and 15-18 July 2018 learning about the circumstances which particular focus on the staging of the play, West Atlantic approximately 65 million understanding developed previously photograph shows columnar jointing The number of Silver participants has also preceded 1 July 1916 (the bloodiest and will be led by Dr Anjna Chohan and Dr years ago when Scotland separated from in Folkestone and Dorset within an within the Drumadoon Sill on the western risen, from one group of six, to five groups, day in British military history) and the Nick Walton. Both of these academics are Greenland; Iceland is much younger! outstanding and beautiful mountainous side of the island flanked by the only 12- totalling 30 pupils. They will soon start 60,000 casualties suffered on that day, experts in the field, and we look forward Students will also make their own maps of landscape, whilst also developing hole golf course in the world. planning their practice expedition which as well as the significance of the Battle to our visit with excitement. a small part of Isle of Arran. transferable skills such as numeracy, will take place over three days from 27-29 within the context of the wider War. We problem-solving and teamwork; skills Mr N Cooper April in the South Downs National Park. are delighted that Andrew Robertshaw, Mrs J Williams During the visit, students will continue which are considered so important in Head of Geology They will then travel to the Peak District a military historian who has frequently Acting Head of English

Page 10 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 11 Science the extraction and purification of caffeine from teabags, an experiment I thoroughly The final day dawned and we began with Visit to CERN: A Retrospective one of the cryogenic factories for a series of talks. enjoyed. We were given access to the synthesis of Azo dye, a bright orange Visit to the Chemistry equipment far more advanced than any pigment that would permanently colour The 2017 WHSB CERN trip to Geneva kicked off on Friday 15 Once we had taken the tram back to the hostel and had dinner, Department of at A Level, such as a Büchner funnel and any fabric it encountered. After that December with our early arrival at London Southend Airport. we walked to see the Jet d’Eau (a big jet of water originally Rotary Evaporator, both of which acted practical almost everyone’s pristine white With everyone together and ready for a school trip abroad, designed as a safety feature for the old hydraulic station) and University of Bristol under vacuum conditions. Once we had lab coat has at least one orange stain on we wandered off up the escalator to Security and then to the then towards the Science Museum to see a pair of parabolic 8-11 July 2018 obtained and purified our samples, we it; as chemists we still have a long way to departure lounge with only Mr Dalby and Miss Isaac setting reflectors that we were meant to have seen on Friday (had our were able to run them through an Infrared go in terms of precision, it seems! Our off the security scanner. What was meant to be a relatively plane not been delayed). After that, we walked on further, to the As in previous years, the Chemistry Spectrometer. This would enable us to last experiment was the synthesis and straightforward and painless experience turned out to be a much UN and Red Cross buildings before getting a late night tram back Department will be taking 45 Year 12 determine we had produced the correct analysis of benzocaine, using techniques bigger affair when we learnt that our plane had broken down and to the hostel. students to Bristol ChemLabS for four compound for our sample. That evening such as Thin Layer Chromatography. Our so our flight was delayed. days at the beginning of July. The focus of we headed out to a local laser tag venue trip concluded with some lectures from We woke up on our final morning, sad that the trip was coming to the trip is to develop their practical skills and had a great time. The highlight was PhD students, such as Steve, into their After seemingly endless trips to WHSmith to claim free food an end but excited for what was still to come. We had a fairly long in one of the UK’s foremost and largest probably a whole team that named research and where chemistry may take vouchers, we boarded the plane six hours later, some glad and walk to visit the Muséum D’histoire Naturelle (or Natural History Undergraduate Chemistry laboratories. themselves after one of the group, with future students. some sad in the knowledge that we had missed an entire day of Museum) but it was worth it with the group barely managing to Below is a review of last year’s trip, Team Arthur comfortably winning their The trip was an amazing experience, my School while waiting in the departure lounge. After a short flight, see everything before we needed to leave. We then walked to written by Oliver Wagstaff. match during the evening. thanks goes to the Chemistry department we were in Geneva Airport and on the train further into the city. a nearby pizzeria and, with the aid of Google Translate, we were for organising and taking us. We learnt It was a short walk from the train station to our hostel and once all able to decipher the menu and order what we wanted before On 9 July 2017, a group of 44 Year 12 The next day promised just as much as an unbelievable amount and experienced we had checked in, eaten and looked at the can crusher (to Mr we had to leave for the airport. Luckily the returning airport Students gathered outside the front of the the first. In the morning, we were shown the type of Undergraduate study that Dalby’s delight) we went off on a walking tour of the city, led experience was much smoother and straightforward than before School. We were heading for the city and an insight into the mesmerising world we will soon pursue in detail. To anyone by Mr Dalby. It was both fascinating and fun including stories, so we arrived back in the UK on time. University of Bristol for a 3-day Chemistry of Polymers, be it the ones that became who is thinking about this trip, I cannot playing in playgrounds and sitting on the world’s longest bench. Course designed to give A Level students mouldable when exposed to hot water or recommend it highly enough. However, when one of us forgot their travel pass, we had a long For all of the students, it was a truly amazing trip with the perfect a better idea of the Degree-level work a neat trick involving casein that meant walk back in heavy rain and snow. mix of fun and education, and one that we would all eagerly do and facilities a world-class university can a type of cheese could be made. After Oliver Wagstaff/Mr D Hill again if we had to opportunity to do so. Finally, on behalf of all offer. Arriving in the city during the early also extracting Benzoic Acid crystals Year 13/Head of Chemistry The next morning, we had a period of free time where we could students who were on the trip, I would like to thank Mr Dalby and evening, it was clear the city had a nice from Sodium Benzoate we broke for look at an area of Geneva by ourselves for a while, however, Miss Isaac for all of their effort and enthusiasm, without which it air to it and we could not wait to see what the morning, with a tour of the facilities Immunology Seminar this mainly involved going to McDonald’s and looking in shop would not have been nearly as good. was in store for us. next up. We saw some absolutely windows packed with either Swiss army knives or clocks. astounding equipment. The pinnacle of Following that, we met up and got the tram to CERN. We visited If you are in Year 11 and wish to attend the trip next year, you The first evening was an eventful one, which was the NMR (Nucleic Magnetic It was my pleasure to introduce Mr the two museums at CERN and climbed into the Gargamelle should ask Mr Dalby for a letter during the Sixth Form Induction once checked in and settled we headed Resonance) laboratory. In one 10 square Jamie David Matthews, researcher at the Bubble Chamber which, unbeknown to us at the time, was the Days. out across the river to Za Za Bazaar, a metre room, there was over £5 million University of Cambridge to Years 11, 12 very piece of equipment that the Z0 boson was discovered in. locally-known all-you-can eat buffet that worth of machines, all of which would and 13 on Friday 16 March. He spoke to Later, we had lunch, then a presentation on CERN and what the Jonathan Travers offered an astounding array of cuisines; become available to University students a large group of predominantly Biologists Large Hadron Collider does, followed by some tours. We went to Year 12 be it Indian or Italian that took your during their research projects in the about his background in Immunology, the building above the ATLAS detector then boarded a minibus to fancy, there was something for everyone. third and fourth years of their courses. and its relevance to his current research After the meal, groups went different We were also shown several Electron on Paediatric Burkitt lymphoma – the ways, some explored Bristol’s streets Microscopes and some Time-Of-Flight most aggressive form of lymphoma, and and scouted out lunch venues for the Mass Spectrometers, with which I had perhaps the most aggressive form of following days, others sought out the the pleasure of running a test. Returning human cancer. University and took their first glimpses at to the laboratories after the tour we the building that would become our home were given a crash course by Steve in the Most pertinently, Jamie highlighted to for the next few days. There was a sense science of perfumery. After acquiring the room the importance of considering of excitement as all were keen to find out rudimentary knowledge of Head, Body tumour cell heterogeneity during what was in store for us. and Base ‘notes’, we were set loose with treatment, something that until recently around 30 different oils. Some of these has too often been overlooked in the The next morning, after breakfast, we set oils would have once been incredibly medical community. off up the hill to the University, passing expensive to extract, but advancements in various buildings of ranging styles that synthetic chemistry have meant we could He was also able to dispel some embodied the city’s vibrant culture experience these oils for ourselves. We of the most pervasive societal and history. After a short introductory were even allowed to take a 25ml bottle misunderstandings about cancer and give meeting with our guide and final-year of our fragrances away with us, although glimpses of some promising avenues for PhD student, Steve, we were shown the some people obviously had a better nose the future. Jamie rounded off the lecture laboratories and conducted our first for it than others. with some genuine insight into his day- experiment: the iodine clock reaction. to-day work – something that you are It was taken a step further than A Level That evening we took part in an extremely unable to gleam from simply browsing a as we were tasked with finding the challenging event, an escape room. Locked university handbook. He finally gave some concentration of iodine in an unknown in a room for 60 minutes with minimal well-received advice on how to get in to solution. The practical was a great hints and a series of challenges to solve, the field of Science, a career in which I way to showcase the differences of an only the sharpest minds would succeed. In hope those interested will follow. undergraduate chemistry laboratory and group 1 only one team (which contained an enjoyable introduction to the course. both Mr Hill and myself) escaped, with a Mr S Marriott tiny margin of 92 seconds left. Group 2 Teacher of Biology In the afternoon, after an interesting were given a room with a higher success lecture on the gases within the Earth’s rate, but it was still a challenge and we atmosphere by Dr Chris Adams, we congratulated those who made it out conducted our second practical. This was unaided.

Page 12 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 13 CHARITY Activities 2017/18 Drama, Lectures & Events

With the School’s charitable activities later in the term. School Drama Students will also be rehearsing for a which will involve both a play and a whole running smoothly thus far, the WHSB production of Pyramus and Thisbe, to school musical. Charity Committee is awaiting the I can assure you that the details above The Summer Term promises to be another be shown multiple times during Open Summer Term with cautious optimism. provide only a mere glimpse into what the action-packed term of Drama. The Evening. This will provide a chance for Towards the end of term, the revamped We urge all parents, pupils and staff to Summer Term holds, and it will surely be School’s brand new Show Choir will be many of our younger actors to step into Junior House Drama Festival will take to support the School’s efforts in aid of the greatest feat of fundraising the School rehearsing a string of songs from musical the limelight. the stage, providing an opportunity for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital has ever seen. shows and practising its dancing to bring Year 8 pupils to be involved in all areas of Charity and South East and Central Essex these musical numbers into performance. Rehearsals will be beginning for next a production, acting, creative artwork and MIND, to help improve the lives of others Joe Turnpenny year’s productions, yet to be announced, design, lighting, sound and backstage. This less fortunate than ourselves. Charity Committee Chairman Festival will also provide the opportunity for our young directors to showcase their In the much-anticipated Summer Term, creative visions and bring their first works the Committee will run a variety of to the stage. Get ready for a term full of events to make sure there is something spectacle! for each and every member of the School community. It promises to be a term to Mr B Jeffreys remember and, personally, I could not Director of Drama be prouder with the programme we have put together. I would urge you to book your tickets from TicketSource, and your wristbands and programmes from ParentPay without a moment’s hesitation – do not miss out on being a part of this unforgettable journey. The Staff Pantomime, Peter Pan, took place on Wednesday 21 March 2018. Exciting new events are set to take the School by storm, including a night at the Romford Greyhound Stadium (Friday 18 May), a Fine Dining evening (date TBC) and Finale Night (Friday 29 June). In addition, WHSB Charity classics return, Westcliff at the Fringe such as eating challenges and the ‘Teacher 11 August to Edinburgh where we will refit our production to 11-19 August 2018 Roasting’, mixed with brand-new ideas the performance space. Over the following week, we will then like Staff Sumo Wrestling and a daily Tuck perform every day to a paying, public audience before heading Shop on the field, when the field is opened The story of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe dates back to 1947, off to watch the full range of shows and events that the Fringe when eight theatre groups turned up uninvited to perform at offers, including the world-famous Military Tattoo. If you are in the (then newly-formed) Edinburgh International Festival, an Edinburgh this summer, please do come and say hello! MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES initiative created to celebrate and enrich European cultural life in the wake of the Second World War. Not being part of Mr B Jeffreys the official programme of the International Festival did not Director of Drama Languages in Careers Event within the company who could speak Russian fluently, so the stop these performers, they just went ahead and staged their BBC chose her to travel to Russia as a journalist. Ms Kendall had shows on the fringe of the Festival anyway, coining the phrase On the 22 February 2018, I had the privilege of being invited the opportunity to visit the Kremlin and many grand palaces the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The Fringe has since become the to Cambridge University to a Languages in Careers event, in Russia. Having recently retired from the BBC, she is now a single biggest celebration of arts and culture on the planet. Every Mistress at Cambridge University, the first ever female Master at run by the company Routes into Languages. The main focus of August for three weeks the city of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, the event was the importance of languages for careers. The the University. welcomes an explosion of creative energy from around the globe. speakers worked for a variety of companies such as the BBC, Thousands of performers take to hundreds of stages all over the the RAF, GCHQ, MI6, NHS, the UN, travel agencies and foreign English is the leading language of international discourse; this city to present shows for every taste. With 50,266 performances correspondence organisations. It was fascinating to hear about fact has led to many British people being unable to perceive the of 3,269 shows in 294 venues in 2016, the festival caters for the ways in which these people had found languages useful for importance of learning a different language. However, knowing everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, their chosen career paths. languages presents you with endless exciting opportunities and circus, cabaret, children’s shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken opens so many doors, as I discovered at this Language in Careers word, exhibitions and events. To give one example, there was Ms Bridget Kendall, a journalist event. If you study languages, it does not mean you have to for the BBC, who had visited 90 different countries and was become a teacher or a translator. So many companies will take This year, Westcliff Drama will be appearing on the Edinburgh able to speak English, Russian, German, French, Greek and some you in and invest time and money to train you up for a particular Festival Fringe for the first time with our devised performance Italian. This speaker had interviewed and translated speeches job, just because you know a language. It demonstrates good of Waiting for Ofsted. This absurdist play responds to Samuel for ministers and world leaders, held talks with President cognitive skills and memory capacity, and proves that you are Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, and explores the tension in education Putin, the former American President Barrack Obama, and flexible and have a desire to try new things. between the expectations of big meaningful events and the need President Donald Trump. I was incredibly inspired by her talk to enjoy the everyday. We will be performing daily at 12.05pm about how languages featured in her job. Her ability to speak For those interested in learning more languages, speak to any at the Upper Theatre of ‘theSpace’, Niddry Street, from Monday additional languages has broadened her perspective of the the member of Modern Foreign Languages Department. Try a 13 to Saturday 18 August. The Upper Theatre is a ‘theSpace’ world and opened up many doors for her career. Having read new language! You may discover a talent and love for language, venue, a long established Fringe company that sold over 147,000 Modern Languages at Oxford, Ms Kendall started working for culture, and people that you never knew was there. tickets across 18 venues during the 2017 Fringe. We will begin the BBC knowing English, Russian and German. During the our project in School the week before with our company and Cold War, when the tension between the then Soviet Union Jay Suragh crew of 15 students from across the Years, developing our play and the USA was at its greatest, she was one of the few people Year 13 from scratch in just five days, before transferring on Saturday

Page 14 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 15 Drama, Lectures & Events prestigious universities, the School will Careers Advice Solicitors), Laurence Stellings (Populus), Careers host its annual Oxbridge Conference Greg Handelaar (NatWest Markets) on Monday 25 June. Admissions tutors, As ever, the Spring Term is the most and Ben Williams (former Chief of Staff, Debating academics, staff and students from active time for the Careers Department. Liberal Democrats). The event was well Old Westcliffians who are currently Oxford and Cambridge will visit the All initiatives for work placements have received, with audience participation working on Apprenticeship programmes The three premier Schools Debating School to talk to potential applicants been put in place, from sending out and questioning throughout. Due to its in the City for FTSE 100 global financial Competitions concluded last term. In on a range of issues. They will seek to CV templates, example cover letters, success, we are looking to repeat this as institutions. I have been taking weekly the English-Speaking Union’s School demystify the application process, and the instructions on how to apply to specific part of next year’s programme. enquiries about Apprenticeships and Mace our team of Conrad Kunadu and notorious interview, as well as providing companies offering superb opportunities, this event will hopefully allow everyone Ross McIntyre (Year 13) fought their concrete advice on the extra preparation insight days, apprenticeship information, Year 11 pupils have been inundated with to understand the current status, entry way through two qualifying rounds to expected over the summer of those who advice and guidance. This is in addition a spectacular array of work experience levels and diversity of positions available. be one of four teams contesting the East again, one of our teams qualified for the would seek to study at these ancient to the Careers Evenings currently in full opportunities in 2018, not only locally Tickets will be available on TicketSource. of England Regional Final. They were International Finals, at Cambridge, but institutions. This year, we have already swing and reaching record attendance but in London as well, far exceeding unable to claim the title despite a spirited unfortunately snow prevented Conrad conducted a tour of Cambridge, and a visit levels. any previous years’ placements – The 2018/19 Academic Year will bring defence of the legitimacy of destroying and Ross from making the journey so they to Oxford University will take place this these opportunities have varied from with it fresh inspiration for Careers property in the cause of environmental had to be content with the title of East of term. A highlight has to be the superb guest engineering to website design, banking events and work experience once again, protest but can be proud of having been England Champions on a perfect score speakers and audiences who have to teaching, finance to recruitment, so if you are able to offer either time and/ named Runners-Up in one of the stronger from the qualifying round. Within our programme, we have also attended the three Careers Evenings dentistry to fitness. With parental help or placements, I would be grateful if you English regions outside of London. recommended students for University taking place each month during the Spring and support, the pupils will hopefully could contact me on [email protected]. Our Lower School debating teams – Study Days, supported applications for Term. The debut Careers in Law, Politics all experience a professional working sch.uk. In addition, 6 July is Enrichment We were also represented in the Joseph Delaney and Tom Duddridge (Year Headstart and Sutton Trust Summer and Finance Evening drew a welcoming environment to enlighten and guide them Day and, following a thoroughly International Final of Oxford Union’s 7) and Luke Burridge and Joshua Glynn Schools, Oxford’s UNIQ Summer crowd of over 400 people. We were towards their future career destinations. successful careers-focused day in 2017, Senior Schools Competition, this time (Year 9) – took part in the International School and nominated Sixth Formers delighted to see so many from our local However, a prompt response to internal the same theme will be repeated this by three teams: Conrad and Ross (Y13) Competition for Young Debaters. for residential courses at Villiers community, as well as WHSB, arriving in communication is key, as the boys are all summer. One of the most popular lessons again; Jasper Harmer and Marcus Kelly Park. I am also pleased that we have their droves to hear from our prestigious becoming rather competitive, recognising was the mock interview sessions, whereby (Year 12); and Antony Haiser and Alex The Schools Debating Competitions are encouraged participation through London speakers - Adam Fleming (BTMK the amazing placements that could be volunteers from the wider community Small (Year 12). The British Parliamentary large-scale undertakings. The ESU Mace University “Taster” Courses and various theirs. gave up their time to 'interview' Year 10 system of debating gives only 15 minutes’ attracts around 400 entries nationwide, Masterclasses hosted by Universities. boys, offering them advice and guidance notice of motion and position (i.e. whilst the Oxford Union and Cambridge The Summer Term will also see the in preparation for the outside world. Proposition or Opposition) so competitors Union vie annually for the title “largest MedicPortal Training first ever Careers in Apprenticeships Any volunteers who feel they could also must really think on their feet. Uniquely, school competition in the world” with Evening on 25 April, due to increasing offer their services would be very much we secured places for two teams from the around 900 teams taking part, including Sessions interest from parents and students. The appreciated. Eastern Regional Round, with Conrad, private and international schools from Friday 6 July and Thursday 19 July 2018 event will offer all Year Groups, with Ross, Antony and Alex going to Oxford for Canada, Asia, the Gulf and Europe. their families, friends and the wider Mrs N Weller the International Finals. Additionally, at the start of the academic Following the success of last year’s community, the opportunity to hear Careers Advisor & Work-Related Placement year, David Fagbemi (Year 13) took programme we have, again, arranged with from an Apprenticeship expert and Co-ordinator In the Cambridge Union Schools part in the European Youth Debating the MedicPortal® to come into School to Competition we fielded four teams: Competition, which focuses on STEM- run training sessions for the UK Clinical Young Enterprise Conrad and Ross (Year 13); Jasper and related issues, won the London round and Aptitude Test (UKCAT) and BioMedical author, Caroline White, who wrote The Antony (Year 12); Alex and Marcus Kelly took part in the European final in Berlin. Admissions Test (BMAT) on Friday 6 Young Enterprise with Year 12 always Label which was also transformed into (Year 12); and Amiola Kash-Odalawu All-in-all it has been a strong year for July and Thursday 19 July respectively. proves to be a unique experience for the a West End play in support of Mencap. and Jake Pilkington (Year 10). Once debaters at WHSB. There will also be a session on medical students each academic year, with fresh- Caroline used to attend Westcliff High interview preparation in September. faced participants eager to get involved School for Girls and was more than helpful UCAS Programme There is a charge made for these sessions, and utilise their entrepreneurial spirit. with the information she could offer but feedback from last year’s prospective Once the initial settling in period has been our students in taking their next steps Monday 25 June 2018 medicine and dentistry students was very overcome, the teams become established, through this process. positive. roles agreed and ideas start to flow. Continuing to build on a programme wares for the festive period. Team Arora We look forward to developments over established over nearly fifteen years Mr R Stevens The Christmas Trade Fayre in Southend also had articles printed in The Echo and the coming months and will keep the to support applications to the most Higher Education Co-ordinator Victoria Shopping Plaza is a fundraising Leigh Times in support of their efforts. School community informed when we are event for students in and around the ready to go into production. However, if local area. The main objective is to raise Since the New Year, and following one anyone can offer our team their services Religious Studies Examiner Visits enough money to finance the product idea or two changes in team members, the to assist with self-production/publication that they will eventually take to the mass teams have taken the mature decision of this book for a wider audience, we On 8 March we were privileged to welcome Ms Libby Ahluwalia market by producing goods for sale to the to merge together, focusing on one key would gratefully receive offers of help, to the School to deliver a workshop to A Level Religious Studies’ general public product idea. This product, however, support and advice. Please contact me on students. The day was focused on essay-writing techniques is something really rather special and [email protected]. and how to improve the quality of our written work in order to Team Arora and Team Imperium both set with the support of two local Business achieve an A* grade in our summer examinations. up their individual stands, selling their Advisors, Mrs Mason and myself, we Merging the teams has meant that, as a are all positive that this will prove to be collaborative effort, there are more skill Through discussion and debate on topics such as Liberation something amazing, with longevity which sets to draw upon to make this exciting Theology and Meta-Ethics, we were able to vastly improve our will allow for the students’ continued venture become a reality. There are knowledge and evaluation of key issues relevant to our course. involvement. Following research exciting times ahead for WHSB’s Young Students in both Years 12 and 13 greatly enjoyed the day, and we undertaken at the local St Christopher's Enterprise Team Arora - good luck to would like to thank the Religious Studies Department, and Ms School, team members agreed upon the everyone concerned! Ahluwalia, for all their support. idea of producing a children's book that would appeal and benefit people with Mrs N Weller Ross McIntyre special educational needs. We were also Careers Advisor & Work-Related Placement Year 13 delighted to speak directly with children's Co-ordinator

Page 16 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 17 Art, Craft & Design

Art, Craft & Design Evening Thursday 5 July 2018, 7.30pm

What is Art? Well you can find out at the Annual Art, Craft and Design Show on Thursday 5 July.

I am always being asked ‘What is Art?’ Is there a definitive answer? Outside the world of Key Stage 3, GCSE and A Level, a ‘blank’ canvas can sit alongside a ‘da Vinci’; both are valid statements but so different. Here at WHSB, the Art Department has become an oasis of curiosity. This year we have continued on our journey of discovery and personal enlightenment. The strength of the work we do is built on the foundations of drawing and recording, both in a traditional way from direct observation sketches to the use of proportion grids and photographic sources. The Department insists on work that is truthful, honest and meaningful, and we adhere to Plato’s notion that the strength of the idea is manifestly more important than the mere process of imitation.

During the Summer Term, A Level Art students are required to create an exhibition of their work. These interactive installations will be on show throughout the Summer Term, some publicly in the Humanities Forum, but we also have a permanent set of installations that the students have created in E27. This, and other work, will be part of the annual Art, Craft and Design Evening and it promises to be as competitive in sophistication, skill and diversity as any leading London Art Gallery.

The Summer Term is a busy time. GCSE pupils will be creating their 10-hour examination outcomes on 25 and 26 April and the Year 13 students will be celebrating their 15-hour, end-of- course examination during the period 2-4 May. Over the past two years, the Art Department has helped students to produce some outstanding artwork. The scale and diversity of the academic story behind the works can often bring a tear or a smile, but always a reaction. The journey behind the student’s work is now a major factor in the acquisition of marks and, as we have This year the Design & Technology Department is exhibiting some deep thinkers, this has helped the Department top the pupils’ work from all levels of the School. The work incorporates performance tables. a variety of technical skills and processes used on woods, metals, and plastics including aluminium casting, brazing, vacuum As a taster, themes explored this year have been as wide-ranging forming, and electronics as Amendra Madipola’s ‘Hey what are you looking at?’ (exploring how body image can have a profound effect on one’s well-being), The exhibits from our young designers provide creative and Jodie Lewis’ ‘hospital corridor’ of anxiety (an interactive piece in interesting working solutions to a wide range of design problems which one comes face-to-face with our fears), Hannah Phillips’ and display a high level of craft skills. In addition, extra-curricular Cyclorama (featuring her memories of her Grandma Irene), work produced for the Engineering Education Scheme will be on Carmen Fribbins’ spiritual installation ‘Looking back in Anger’, show, with pupils demonstrating their remote-enabled drone. and Georgia Gonzalez’s ‘Crooked House’ which explores the themes associated with emotional well-being, and the masks we My thanks for their support and dedication goes to Mr A Moore, wear to hide it. Mrs K Mumford and Mr N Beshoori.

These students have created work which demonstrates how Art Mr C Wright can be substantial, academic and profound and should continue Head of Design & Technology the extraordinary achievements of A Level students at WHSB.

We will also showcase work form all our Year Groups along with work from our amazing Design & Technology Department on the evening. The Parents’ Association have kindly offered to provide Tickets for all Westcliff Diary food and drink and nibbles, so please come along to be dazzled events can be purchased via and amazed! TicketSource at http://whsb. Mr T Sinnott/Mr D Smith ticketsource.co.uk/ or by Head of Art; Second in Art scanning this QR code.

Page 18 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 19 Combined Cadet Force return to Beckingham Camp since our first camp in 2013. The Camp is run by regular army soldiers, mainly drawn from the Cadet Training Teams that specialise Royal Navy Opening formal event showing a different side in training cadets, together with the Ceremony and Annual of the Armed Forces, and for parents to School’s CCF staff, and provides a varied recognise and be a part of the celebration week of activities with a military theme. CCF Mess Dinner of the CCF’s achievements during the The training packages on offer include Thursday 26 April 2018 year. military skills (patrolling, ambush drills, close quarter battle, fighting in built- Following the opening of the Royal Navy Our Guest of Honour for these events up areas, tactics in woods and forests, Section of the CCF in January, Sub- will be Commodore David Elford OBE section attacks and platoon attacks), Lieutenant Hill has been appointed as its ADC Royal Navy, Commander of Regional shooting, a Contingent field exercise, and Officer Commanding. To recognise this, Forces and Naval Regional Commander competitions against the other schools on the CCF will be holding a Royal Navy Eastern England. Commodore Elford camp. Opening Ceremony on Thursday 26 April. represents our first Guest of Honour from As part of this, there will be an Inaugural the Royal Navy and we are very happy to This is always the highlight of our annual Parade at 2.30pm for all CCF cadets and have him in attendance. calendar and an opportunity to say any guests who wish to attend. farewell to our departing Sixth Form Tickets are available on TicketSource and CCF Army Section cadets. We will also be holding our Annual CCF all are invited to attend. Mess Dinner that evening, starting at Summer Camp Major J Bleakley 4.30pm for 5.00pm. This is a formal 7-14 July 2018 Contingent Commander military tradition and is an excellent opportunity for cadets to take part in a The annual CCF Summer Camp will be held at Beckingham in Lincolnshire from Saturday 7 July to Saturday 14 July Exercise Welbeck 2018. This will be the Contingent’s first Cadet Leadership RSME Boat School Challenge Friday 8 June 2018 20-22 April 2018

On Friday 8 June 2018, we will be taking In our third show at this competition, cadets from the Army and Royal Navy Lt Tresidder will again accompany CCF sections to the Royal School of Military cadets to the Defence Sixth Form College Engineering Boat School in Chatham, in Loughborough where CCF cadets, Kent. This centre is where the regular from both our Royal Navy and our Army Army learn watermanship with training sections, will compete against other conducted by regular soldiers. The teams from all over the United Kingdom training package has been arranged by the in military and leadership skills. The Boat School instructors and involves an competition is physically and mentally Army boat operations introduction, and demanding and will involve long hours. familiarising cadets with the Mk6 assault It involves command tasks, an obstacle boat, Mk3 rigid raider and combat support course, a high ropes confidence course, boat. air rifle shooting, an engineering task, First Aid and Navigation. Cadets will be accommodated in tents for the duration. CCF Pass Off Parade Year 9 Skill at of our Armed Forces. The Contingent will Friday 29 June 2018, 4.00pm join other uniformed Units, marching into Arms Training and Victoria Circus in Southend at 10.45am on Rearrangement of the The CCF will hold its annual Pass Off Saturday 30 June, for those who wish to Parade on Friday 29 June at 4.00pm. It will attend to watch. Year 11 Range Weekend be an opportunity to award promotions and prizes in advance of Summer Camps In order to prepare our Year 9 cadets for and to celebrate the achievements of Summer Camp and their first experiences the cadets across the year. Tickets are with the Cadet General Purpose Rifle, available via TicketSource. it is our intention to arrange a Skill At Arms Cadre shortly after the Summer Armed Forces Day Examinations. It is also our intention to rearrange the Range Weekend for Year Parade 11, which had to be cancelled because of Saturday 30 June 2018, 10.45am inclement weather, to take place between the conclusion of GCSE examinations and The CCF will send a group of cadets to Summer Camp. Southend Armed Forces Day Parade to acknowledge and pay tribute to the work

Page 20 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 21 Community Development office Estates being established. Victoria Avenue until 1931 when they JR Young. We should also like to thank newsletter, please contact me. too relocated to Kenilworth Gardens. those members of our Alumni Community In 1919, as a result of the town’s ‘Belsfield’ subsequently housed the who were able to shed light on what the Our AGM this year will be on Monday 16 Summer Drinks which will be held in expansion and growing population, Municipal College’s Junior Technical original ‘Belsfield’ Victoria Avenue site July at 7.00pm at the School. This will be School on Monday 16 July from 7.30pm. Southend’s Education Committee School and Senior Technical Department. was used for following the Girls’ School followed by the Alumni social at 7.30pm. This year’s Summer Social follows the Old decided a new Intermediate School was In 1939, when WW2 broke out, ‘Belsfield’ move in 1931 and its demolition in 1964. The Alumni social is a chance to meet the Westcliffian Association’s AGM which needed for boys and girls. ‘Belsfield’ at became the Town’s Air Raid Precaution Headmaster and some of his team as well commences at 7.00pm and we would 110 Victoria Avenue, a large house on a (ARP) Headquarters. Post-war, ‘Belsfield’ Mrs J Clarke & Mrs N Weller as other OW’s in an informal and relaxed encourage as many of you as possible to two-acre site, was purchased at a cost housed the Victoria Avenue Primary Community Development Officers atmosphere over a drink. I look forward to attend both these Alumni Community of £7,000 (the equivalent of £350,000 School (Junior Mixed and Infants) and was meeting some of you. events. today). ‘Belsfield’ had previously been then vacant for several years prior to its Old Westcliffian Centenary owned by Henry Brown, a director of the demolition in 1964 to make way for the The OWA congratulates the School on Year 13 Leavers 2018 – ‘Westcliff-on-Sea Motor Char-a-banc new Civic buildings in Victoria Avenue (it Association gaining permission to form a Royal Navy Sponsorship Company’ (later Westcliff-on-Sea Motor can still be seen in front of the Southend section of the CCF. The Association has welcome! Services). Mr Brown’s company founded Technical College in the photograph The Association is pleased to welcome always given the CCF its full support and You, or your company, could become the town’s first motorbus service which below taken during the construction of two new members to the committee, we will continue to do so in this new and involved in our Centenary Programme of As a WHSB student, whether for two ran between Southend High Street and the new Civic Centre). Kirsty Hickey and Billy Warby. They will exciting venture. Events in the run up to and throughout years or seven, you will have made Hamlet Court Road in Westcliff. This bring a very useful focus on the views of 2020, the School’s Centenary Year. There many friends and will be part of a strong motorbus service commenced on 19 July our younger members. Billy and Kirsty We have a very large database of are many benefits from an association network that can stay with you for the 1920 with the route numbered 1, the did some tremendous work in drumming members with whom we have lost with a School which features regularly in rest of your life. When you leave WHSB, designation still in use today. up support for our Annual Dinner last contact, some of whom we reconnect with the top 50 State Schools in the Country. keeping in touch with your friends, the year and will use social media to spotlight each year. If you know of an OW who is School and the Staff can help you as you Following the acquisition of the Victoria attention on our Dinner this year. not a member, please put them in touch The WHSB Community is made up of progress through the different phases Avenue site (seen below in the early with me. Our subscription is only £10 several constituent groups with whom a of your career. There will inevitably be 1960’s) and the building being made This year’s Dinner will be on 7 September for life membership or £5 if in full time sponsoring partner may have appropriate older Old Westcliffians at your university ready for its new use as an educational 2018, meeting at 6.15pm for a 7.00pm education. The application form is on the exposure to, including: who can help you find your way around. establishment, ‘The Commercial start at the School. Our speaker will website. • Almost 1,200 pupils living in the local When you apply for jobs, you may find Old Secondary School’, as Westcliff High be Neil Harman. Neil has been Sports catchment area and throughout Essex; Westcliffians who can offer advice and School was first known, opened on 27 Correspondent for The Daily Mail and In conclusion, I would always be • Over 1,000 families; guidance. Conversely, as you progress April 1920 with 109 pupils (boys and girls) Sunday Telegraph and, latterly, Chief pleased to hear from you if you have • Over 5,000 Alumni in the UK, other through your career, you will have on the register. 1920 was a significant Tennis Correspondent for The Times. He any comments about our Association or European countries and around the knowledge, experience and skills that year for the town: Priory Park was is a prolific author and an OW. We look suggestions as to future activities. rest of the world; you may like to share with pupils still at officially opened by H.R.H, The Duke of forward to welcoming him. Our Annual • Many sports teams visit WHSB for School. York (later King George VI); Southend’s Dinners are always fun occasions and if Terry Birdseye tournaments and fixtures across War Memorial designed by Edward you have not been before why not give it a [email protected] various sports, with a multitude of This year’s Leavers are invited to attend Lutyens (who was also responsible for the We would like to thank Mr P J Wren try this year? The details and application annual fixtures; the Alumni Summer Drinks, outlined Cenotaph in Whitehall) was erected on who allowed us to print the photograph form will be in our annual newsletter • External Sports Clubs, including rugby, above, and also the OWA Annual Reunion Clifftown Parade; and the Royal Naval & of the Civic Centre (www.southendon- which will be published at the end of May. football, cricket, hockey, athletics, Dinner held in September. Military Club in Royal Terrace opened its sea.me.uk). Material for this article You will also be able to apply online using badminton and archery use the doors for the first time as a place for First was sourced from the Essex Record TicketSource. School’s sports facilities; All former students are encouraged to World War veterans and their families to Office, Kelly’s Directories of Southend- • The School attracts thousands of sign up to the WHSB Alumni Network socialise and support each other following on-Sea, The Southend Timeline (www. Details of the Dinner and the current and visitors to sports events, exhibitions, before they leave the School. All we need their experiences in The Great War. southendtimeline.com) and the book past newsletters and other interesting productions, concerts and prospective is a non-school email address for you and ‘Westcliff-on-Sea Motor Services Ltd: material can be found on the website. If Open Evenings throughout the your permission to be contacted by us An Outline History’ by Alan Osborne and you would like your personal copy of the academic year. after you have left the School. Sign-up forms will be distributed at the start of the To discuss ways in which you, or your Summer Term and should be completed organisation, could become involved with and returned to the CDO Team as soon Online Uniform Shop will be circumstances whereby items Uniform the School, please contact the Community as possible. For further information are required urgently and the mail order Development Office Team community@ please come and see us in the Community For our current pupils, uniform and other system will continue to accommodate this. whsb.essex.sch.uk. Development Office (E18) or email us at essential School items can be ordered and Payment for these purchases can be made Uniform Shop Manager, by e-mail [email protected] . We look paid for via the School website. Pupils will by cash or cheque and forms are available ([email protected]). forward to welcoming you to the WHSB receive notification in their register when online or from the Front Reception. Alumni Community and keeping in touch! orders are ready to collect from the Front Lost Property Reception and this will, under normal The School Uniform Shop will be WHSB Centenary: In August 1921, the School changed its circumstances, be within two School days open between 3.45pm and 4.45pm name from ‘The Commercial School’ to following submission. The WHSB Online on Thursdays during term time, giving A ‘lost property’ rack is located in the The School’s Early ‘Westcliff High School’ (the original title Uniform Shop can be accessed by visiting parents an opportunity to oversee East Basement and pupils who have lost Beginnings having been somewhat confusing). By www.whsb.essex.sch.uk/uniform or by uniform fittings. an item can access this area or enquire at 1922, 372 children were on the School’s selecting ‘About Us, Practical Information, the Front Reception desk. Many mislaid roll and it was rapidly outgrowing its Uniform’ on the School’s website. The Uniform Shop will also be open on items are returned to pupils and we kindly The First World War had ended in original site. Plans were, by this time, Monday 3, Tuesday 4, and Wednesday request the assistance of parents and Alumni Network victory, peace had returned and with it, well underway to relocate to new, larger To purchase items, simply select the size 5 September 2018 for purchases to be pupils in ensuring that clothing and other Summer Social prosperity. From 1918 onwards, and into and purpose-built premises to the west and quantity required and click ‘add to made and online orders to be collected items are clearly labelled. Monday 16 July, 7.30pm the early 1920s, Southend saw a period of the town. Westcliff High School basket’. Payment for online purchases can prior to the start of the Autumn Term. of considerable growth. The County for Boys in Kenilworth Gardens was be made by credit and debit card only. The shop will be open between 1.00pm Miss C Parkinson We look forward to welcoming members Borough’s boundaries expanded to take officially opened in 1926 for 850 pupils Whilst the majority of uniform orders can and 4.00pm on these days. For further School Bursar of our Alumni Community to our Annual in Leigh, with the Highlands and Marine to attend. The Girls’ School remained in be made online, we appreciate that there information please contact Miss Mayne,

Page 22 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 23 Parents’ Association Slices of Pi: Mathematics at WHSB

Intermediate winning a certificate for achieving the is available for you to use for preparation. Mathematics highest score for one of the rounds. The Year 10 pupils involved were: Jason Student Mentoring Challenge Chin 10S, Alexander Giffin, 10N, Farhan Hossenbux 10S, Jonathon Huggett 10N, Niall Ivie 10S, George Jefferson The Mathematics Department continues WHSB Parents’ Pimm’s Stall at the support of the School with a seasonally- On Thursday 1 February 2018, all pupils 10E, Sammy Joujou 10W, Arnihan to run a successful pupil-to-student Association Annual Summer Big Band and relevant grand prize. We look forward to in Year 11 took part in the Intermediate Sarveswaram 10N. We were also tutoring scheme over lunch time and seeing you there. Mathematics Challenge. Much like the supported by Jasper Wiblin from Year 12, break time. If you wish to sign up for this Race Night 2018 BBQ Senior Mathematics Challenge that whose presence allowed the trip to run scheme, either as someone who can help our Sixth Form students undertook in with a second team and whose help was mentor another pupil or someone who Following the postponement of our We will be running our ever-popular November last year, this is a national invaluable at the competition. needs help themselves, please see Miss Annual Race Night due to last term’s Pimm’s Stall selling alcoholic summer competition designed to test the problem- Dole in the Lower School Pastoral Office. bout of adverse weather, the event will punch and soft drinks at the School’s solving skills of pupils and promotes more Year 8 Team Challenge now take place this term on Saturday 9 annual Summer Big Band and BBQ event creative thinking in Mathematics. We can accommodate pupils from Year June. Everyone can be a winner at this on Friday 13 July 2018. In addition, we Sports Day Cake Sale 7 to Year 13 in both Mathematics and significant fundraiser for the School. will be holding our summer raffle in This year, the following 10 pupils got On 9 March 2018, four Key Stage 3 Further Mathematics, so if you are having Doors open at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start The Parents’ Association will be through to the Pink Kangaroo follow- pupils competed in the UKMT team any problems with any work feel free and tickets are priced at £6 for adults and represented again this year at WHSB’s on round; Adam Whittaker 11W, Ahad Mathematics Challenge at Bancroft’s and ask for help. The sessions with your £3 for pupils. Bring your own drinks and Sports Day on Tuesday 3 July, serving Awan 11C, Atdhe Gashi 11S, Tamilore School, Essex. Rudra Patel 8N, Bhavy mentor are designed to run across the nibbles, or for an extra £4.50 per ticket, refreshments, providing complimentary Mustafa 11E, Peter Simon 11N, Joshua Metakar 8N and Justus Genthe 9N and year but the scheme is flexible to suit your you can enjoy a fish and chip supper fruit and selling quality baked goods. All Rawden 11N, Harinhan Gowrethasan Nivasan Loganathan 9N performed well needs, so if you are having a particularly (vegetarian alternative available). Tickets proceeds go to the School. 11W, Klain Fernando 11C, Matthew in this competition, coming 5th out of 27 challenging time this term as there is a lot can be booked on TicketSource. The Race Mohan 11W and Oliver Clarke 11W. In local schools. We congratulate them on of work on Algebra then we can arrange a Night is an extremely popular event and Mrs K Merriman addition to this, 13 pupils achieved a gold their performance and the effort they put mentor for a short period of time instead. early booking is advised. Please come and Parents’ Association Chair certificate, 32 a silver and 45 a bronze. We in throughout the year, attending sessions join us for what always proves to be a fun would like to congratulate these pupils with Mrs Hammond to prepare for this If you wish to sign up as a mentor, we are packed and highly competitive evening for and all who took part. The questions competition. accepting applications from students in the entire family! posed in these challenges can be very Years 10 to 13. difficult but allow pupils to showcase If you are interested in taking part in their mathematical abilities and delve the competition next year then please STEP, MAT and AEA into areas of Mathematics beyond their contact Mrs Hammond. We are looking normal curriculum. for capable Year 7 and 8 pupils to take Support up the mantle and represent the School. Drama at WHSB Year 10 Team Mathematics teachers can supply Mr Tsang has started to offer Sixth Term material to those pupils wishing to Examination Paper (STEP) and Advanced The Parents’ Association were delighted to be able to support Drama at the School’s recent production of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Challenge prepare for these competitions or those Extension Award (AEA) support for those Ui. Selling ‘PA Sunrise’ mocktails and holding a successful raffle on each performance night, over £500 was raised for the School’s (Mathematics Feast) who generally want more imaginative looking at taking these examinations in Drama Department. Thank you to all those members of our School Community who supported us. problems to solve. order to aid their university entrance prospects. This club is aimed at those On Wednesday 7 March, eight Year 10 Junior Mathematics in Years 12 and 13 who are looking to pupils took part in the FMSP Year 10 go to universities that offer entrance Maths Feast. The pupils were in two Challenge examinations, such as Cambridge, teams of four for the competition and had Thursday 26 April 2018 Oxford, Durham and Warwick. Potential to demonstrate their understanding of a mathematicians, engineers, physicists number of topics across the breadth of The Junior Mathematics Challenge runs and economists may wish to research Mathematics. The key aim of the event on the 26 April 2018 this year. All Year some universities in order to assess was to have fun through Mathematics 8 pupils will be able to participate in this whether it is worth attending the club. and to develop great teamwork, and national competition that will test their Students are also welcome to attend, even each team was tested through a series problem-solving abilities. Previously, if they do not intend to sit any entrance of rounds which relied on good problem we have experienced a great deal of exams; this club is a good opportunity to solving skills and effective team work and success in this competition, and we wish see some difficult questions answered communication. to highlight specifically that success in imaginative ways that may benefit has come from pupils across the whole your studies of mathematics generally. The teams placed 4th and 6th out of 15 ability range. Due to the nature of this Furthermore, it will provide a great deal teams overall, with one of the teams competition, we have some pupils who of rich material for students to discuss find aspects of their normal academic with potential interviewers at university. studies challenging who succeed in the Please talk to Mr Tsang to obtain more JMC because they are able to showcase details. their problem-solving ability. Mr M Dowding Feel free to ask your teachers for some Head of Mathematics additional questions, or you can search for the papers yourself by visiting the UKMT’s website and following the links. Last year’s paper with extended solutions

Page 24 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 25 Music at WHSB Musicology Seminar – Wagner on Film Summer Chamber Thursday 10 May 2018, 3.45pm Recital Richard Wagner composed opera in Thursday 3 May 2018, 7.30pm the 19th century, yet of all classical composers he has had by far the biggest This term’s Chamber Recital promises to impact on Film Music of the 20th and be another exciting evening of soloists 21st century. This seminar will explore and small ensembles performing a wide the basics of Wagner’s compositional variety of musical styles and instruments. technique before launching on an odyssey Ensembles such as the Saxophone Quartet through animation and cinema. Examples and Brass Ensemble will be demonstrating of the use of Wagner’s music in film will their repertoire, performing numbers as range from the Looney Tunes’ short film, diverse as Van Halen’s Jump and City of What’s Opera Doc, to the famous chopper Stars from La La Land. A range of vocalists attack of Apocalypse Now. The seminar will and soloists will also be flaunting their also delve into how Wagner’s ideas have talent onstage, such as brass musician been adapted by composers for films as Grace Jackson, returning to the Chamber prominent composer of the evening with as soon as possible to guarantee a ticket. diverse as Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Recital after her exciting performance in music from Jurassic Park and Harry Potter The Department recommends the trip to and the movies by the Japanese anime the Spring, and Oboist Charlie Gershinson featuring in the programme. Howard London to see Tchaikovsky’s Symphony auteur, Hayao Miyazaki. This seminar will who continues to tackle ambitious and Shore’s Wagnerian score for The Lord of No.5 performed by the Philharmonia last an hour and, whilst it is particularly virtuosic pieces. the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring will Orchestra. recommended for students studying provide for any fantasy buffs, while sci-fi GCSE or A Level music as material Tickets are priced at £5 for adults. This aficionados can set their phasers to ‘fun’ Tchaikovsky at the covered will be directly relevant to set concert is free of charge for pupils. in anticipation of a medley of well-known works, it is open to all interested students themes in Star Trek Through the Years. Royal Festival Hall from Year 9 to Year 13. Westcliff Sinfonia Thursday 14 June 2018, 4.45pm Tickets are priced at £5 for adults. This Mr T Derrick Summer Concert concert is free of charge for pupils. The world-class Philharmonia orchestra Director of Music Wednesday 4 July 2018, 7.30pm are joined by Korean conductor, Han- Year 7 Cultural Na Chang, and pianist, Sunwook Kim, to Prepare for some movie magic as the perform Grieg’s piano concerto. This is an Summer Band and Westcliff Sinfonia presents a dazzling Enrichment Project exciting and popular work, with the folk Barbecue programme of music from film. music style of Norway on display as much Friday 13 July 2018, 7.00pm Composers such as Howard Shore, Jerry This term, all Year 7 pupils will be required as the pianist’s virtuosity. The concert will Goldsmith, Ennio Morricone and, of to attend at least one of the musical also feature Rossini’s famous galloping course, John Williams, will be represented concerts or trips listed in the Diary as an fanfare overture to William Tell. Join the Westcliff Big Band in welcoming and you can be sure that all audience audience member and will be expected the summer with lively music and members will find at least a few familiar to write a review of their chosen event. Tchaikovsky’s emotive Fifth Symphony delicious food. Performers at this themes to hum along to. This written work will be evaluated as a will close the concert. This important anticipated annual event include the formal assessment and will contribute work was modelled on Beethoven’s Fifth Saxophone Quartet and the Westcliff John Williams is responsible for some of to reports and end-of-year grades. More Symphony and features a similar ‘Tragedy Choir who will entertain the crowd the most famous film scores ever written, details will be given in lesson-time but it to triumph’ trajectory, even with a motif with a selection of well-known songs and so it is that he will be the most is advised that pupils sign up to events that intrudes on each of the movements. from popular genres while hot dogs and The piece has an important place in burgers are flipped on the grill. Following history: During the Second World War, the entertainment outside in the quads, a performance of the symphony was the Westcliff Big Band will take to the broadcast to London from Leningrad while stage to play a selection of jazz and swing the city was under siege. The orchestra numbers. After a long academic year continued to perform the final triumphant of working and studying hard, pupils, march while bombs could be heard falling parents and staff are encouraged to let nearby. off some steam in what is sure to be an unforgettable evening’s music. Tickets for pupils, staff, parents and friends of the School are £21.50, including This event is open to all, costing £14 for travel. Spaces for this event are limited adults and £10 for pupils, including food. and booking closes on Friday 4 May. Tickets are £7 for adults and £4 for pupils excluding food. Mr T Derrick Director of Music Mr T Derrick Director of Music

Page 26 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 27 The House System I would also like to express my gratitude House Golf Event Senior Singles Matchplay: Any pupil in Year 10 or above may and appreciation to Mr Rayment, Mr Friday 8 June, 4.30pm enter the Senior Singles Match Play competition. Unlike Stroke White, Mr Sexton, Mr Morrish, Mr play where it is player versus the course, in Match play, each hole House Activities thank the Heads of House for their hard Atkinson and Mr McGee for the support can be won or lost directly to your opponent. The rules are easy – work this academic year as they have that they have given the House System The House Golf Event is a Lads and Dads tournament, where the lowest score on a hole wins the hole. The golfer who wins the including House made such a valuable contribution. recently. twosomes compete in Texas Scramble or Golfer Putter Pairs as most holes, wins the competition. Drama well as a staff competition played over 9 holes at Garon Park Golf Upcoming events include model car Thank you also to all the House Complex. Bonus Competition: There will also be bonus points for ‘Nearest building, palaeontology, improvisational Representatives, House Captains, House the Pin’ and ‘Longest Drive’, which played a crucial part in the This academic year has been most theatre, scrabble, model car building, golf, Vice Captains and other pupils who have Even though the headline is Dads and Lads, it could just as easily overall standings last year, with both being won by Mr Tim Turner productive for the House System and I squash, sports quiz and music. helped to run, and been involved with, be Mums and Sons, Grandads, Uncles, or a family friend. for Harrier. am very pleased with student levels of House activities over the past term. participation. House rugby, basketball, House Drama will also be an important There is a competition for the Upper Years - ‘Senior Singles’ and We will be joined once again by Leigh Professional Golfer, Martin table tennis, rowing and football have event for Year 8 and all pupils are Finally, if you have any ideas for new this will be suitable for any player in Year 10 or above to compete Foreman, and friends of the School and members of the Old been a great success. Other events expected to participate in some way. House events, or would like to help run an in matchplay to represent their House. Westcliffian Association and Alumni are also welcome to join such as House French, German, spelling, This can include acting, directing, activity, please do come and see me. I am the event and represent their House. The Staff competition photography, cartography, microbiology, music, lighting, costumes or making interested in any thoughts that you may The event will take place at Garon Park Golf Complex on Friday 8 promises to be exciting this year, with Director of Sport, Mr Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, chess, board the programme. It is one of the biggest have. June. Tee-off times will be from 4.30pm. Morrish, former 4 handicapper, joining forces with Mrs Mumford games, cards, drawing, War Hammer events of the academic year and is worth representing Harrier House. But competition is set to be tense in painting, mental arithmetic and oratory a significant amount of House points. Mr R Barber Golfer and Putter Pairs: This competition will require one golfer, the Physical Education Department, with new-comer Mr White have also been popular. Aspiring House Captains/Vice Captains House System Coordinator who will take all shots onto the green, and a non-golfer ‘Putter’ and last year’s champion, Mr Sexton, once again stepping up to in Year 12 are expected to help with this taking all putts. This is a great opportunity to involve non-golfers, the tee. I would like to take this opportunity to event. as everyone can putt! Will Jamie Findlater and Grandfather return to defend their title? Will any of the other Houses step up to seize the Golf Cup from Merlin? Traditionally a close competition, participation is crucial House Snow Texas Scramble Pairs: This competition will be for pairs of golfers to success in this activity. order. In 4th place were Kestrel, joint 2nd who make their way around the course, but only using the better Sculptures were Harrier and Osprey with an amazing ball. Both players take a turn from the better ball lie. The cost of this event is £12 per head and will include motte-and-bailey castle and crocodile refreshments at the end of the round. Please use TicketSource to The end of February saw what has been amongst other offerings, and the well- Both competitions will be determined using the Stableford Points indicate your participation. I look forward to seeing you there. described as ‘once in a generation’ levels deserved winner was Merlin for a very system, with the lower golfer’s handicap being used to calculate of snowfall at WHSB. It was the perfect charming living room, complete with Sofa, the points. An impressive performance from rookie Joshua Mrs K Mumford opportunity to introduce a new House TV and games controller, as well as an Harrison with his father won this prize for Osprey in 2017. Assistant Head competition, Snow Sculptures. impressive snake. Congratulations to new Head of Merlin House, Mr Sexton, and to Year 7 pupils donned their layers and all the pupils who participated. headed out to the bottom field on the afternoon of Friday 2 March. They Mrs K Mumford revealed their creativity and collaboration Assistant Head skills in creating sculptures in the snow, as well as demonstrating their own brand of resilience as the snow blizzard arrived in the late afternoon.

As well as receiving individual House Points for participation, points were awarded to the Houses in the following

Page 28 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 29 School Sport towards the common goal of enabling all foundational stone of the Department and of our pupils understand that it is a great beating Southend High School for Boys. Football pupils at WHSB to experience the power strong foundations are important. Our privilege to represent WHSB and is Performance in the Essex Cup semi-final of sport. community strives to meet the challenges therefore something for which they strive against SHSB was disappointing; however, This year has been a good year for football The School’s Sporting presented, and those challenges are now in any activity from sporting, to musical lessons were learned and targets are at WHSB. Our Year 7 team reached the Programme As a Department, we are always trying the Borough and County Competitions for and theatrical to academic. being put in place for September when we quarter-final of the South East Essex Cup to widen the opportunities that we can Athletics, Cricket and Tennis. resume our basketball. and the Borough Cup Final where they are WHSB’s sport has continued to improve provide to WHSB pupils. If there are any I would like to make special mention of the shortly due to play Eastwood (at the time over the Spring Term. This would not parents or pupils that are interested in In addition to these external challenges, Year 7 pupils who have arrived at WHSB It is no coincidence that this success has of writing). The Year 10 team reached the be possible without the commitment supporting this through sports that are WHSB also sets its own, internal this year and shown outstanding School come about at a time when the number quarter-finals of both Cups and our Year of Mr White, Mr Sexton, Mr Atkinson not currently available at WHSB, please challenges. Our internal challenge spirit, and work ethic to match, during of Year 7 pupils who attend training 11 team will also represent the School in and Mr Garstin providing a platform of contact the School as being ‘open to in School sport this term is that each the last two terms. It is not a coincidence sessions has been steadily increasing the Borough Cup Final. We say farewell practices that enables both recreational opportunity’ is an important part of being individual pupil will reach the end of the that their teams are seeing success and during the last two years. This superb to the majority of our 1st XI who will soon participation in sport but also enables the a pupil at WHSB. Summer Term knowing that they have that the pupils in the Year Group interact attitude from our pupils is the reason for head off to pastures new and we thank widening of our competitive stream of participated and achieved to their full superbly with one another. Sport is a their success and their strong community. them for their support over the past seven sport. Mrs Burden’s organisation enables As our attention now turns to Athletics, potential. This can only be achieved powerful tool to bring communities The outcomes are a by-product of the years. the School to be involved in such a variety Cricket and Tennis it is important that through attendance at practices and together and the pupils in Year 7 are consistent way in which they pursue team of fixtures both at weekends and during we maintain attendance at the wide making WHSB their priority when an incredibly strong community. They involvement and their desire to represent Mr M Atkinson the week. I am very grateful to have such variety of extra-curricular clubs which are it comes to representing the School show true pride in their School at any WHSB. Sports Coach a dedicated group of people working available before School, during lunchtime in sporting fixtures both in midweek sporting fixture they attend. They have and after School. Work ethic is a matches and at the weekends. So many had great success in Rugby, remaining The talent of pupils at WHSB continues undefeated since the Millfield Festival. to astound the Department. The Dikachi Godwin has led the way and has combination of attitude and commitment, Basketball Update been unstoppable, scoring over 40 tries. together with the sporting talent, grasp should they continue to work hard and put the effort in. Brendan Burgess has shown impressive translates into improved sporting physical prowess and relentless performance at WHSB. WHSB’s sport has continued to improve during the Spring Term. This has been an outstanding season for Basketball at WHSB, commitment. Riley Thomas has shown The commitment levels of pupils within Basketball has continued which demonstrates the standards that we can reach should we mature leadership as Captain and leads Mr T Morrish to impress, and this endeavour saw four teams from WHSB continue to work hard and strive for excellence. This season will by example. Our Basketball team were Director of Sport reach the Borough Basketball Finals. This is the most successful now be a barometer for us to measure ourselves against in the victorious in the Year 7 Borough Final Borough campaign that we have had as a School. The Year 7 team future, with the ambition to better this next year. were victorious against Southend High School for Boys, giving an exceptional performance against strong opposition. Noah Louis Mr J White Table Tennis continued to impress during this game, racking up the points and Second in PE defending superbly. Unfortunately, the Year 8 team narrowly lost against St Thomas More, but they were a credit to the School, WHSB enjoyed success at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 demonstrating commitment and determination. They will play Borough competitions this year. In Key Stage 3 all of our six St Thomas More again in the semi-final of the Essex Cup shortly competitors qualified for the quarter-finals. Congratulations and will hope to avenge this defeat. At the time of writing, our to the eventual winner, Peter Eriksson, and Justus Genthe who Year 10 pupils are yet to play their Final, where they will meet finished in 3rd place. Pictured with Peter and Justus are the other Shoeburyness High School; however, they will have high hopes four players who represented the School. having beaten them once already this year. The Year 11 team reached the Final, which was the reward for a year of hard work In the Key Stage 4 competition, again the School entered six and commitment. This was the first time they have reached players and we are delighted that Kieran Williams reached this stage since attending the School and this was an excellent the quarter-final stage. This was an excellent achievement and achievement. I would like to make special mention of Fope WHSB did the ‘double’ as Kieran became Key Stage 4 Borough Oguntuga and Mayowa Okunuga who have set an exceptional Champion! Well done and congratulations to all pupils who example, both at training sessions and during games; they are a represented WHSB. clear example as to what can be achieved with an excellent work ethic and attitude. Mr M Atkinson Sports Coach The County season is coming to a close now and we have had some excellent results on this stage too. All five age groups reached the quarter-final stage of the competitions, with four teams reaching the semi-finals. This puts WHSB in the top four schools in the County for Basketball in four out of five age groups. While, of course, it may be disappointing for the pupils to have just one team in the Final at this stage (with one semi-final still to play), on reflection they should understand this is an outstanding achievement in our first year of entering this competition and it provides a target for us to better the performance in the years to come. The Year 10 team played a challenging semi-final against St Martin’s, who are a renowned Basketball school in the County, to reach the Final. Demi Adeyeye, who represents England, and Nathaniel Familusi, really stepped up and led the team to ensure that they were the first age group from WHSB ever to reach the Essex Cup Basketball Final. Our Year 8 pupils will now attempt to join them by playing St Thomas More in the semi-final. This will no doubt be a tough game, although it is certainly within their

Page 30 The Westcliff Diary The Westcliff Diary Page 31 CALENDAR FOR SUMMER TERM 2018

Mon 16 April STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY Wed 27 June Battlefields trip Parents’ Briefing, 7.30pm Tue 17 April SUMMER TERM BEGINS, 8.45am 28-29 June Sixth Form Induction Course 20-22 April CCF Welbeck Cadet Leadership Challenge Thu 28 June New Year 7 Parents’ Meeting, 7.30pm Mon 23 April Year 10 Parents' Evening, 4.00pm Fri 29 June Year 12 Phase 3 Reports issued Wed 25 April IMechE Lecture, Dunton, 7.30pm CCF Pass Off Parade, 4.00pm Apprenticeships Careers Evening, 7.00pm Charity Finale Night, 7.00pm Thu 26 April Junior Mathematics Challenge Sat 30 June Armed Forces Day Parade, 10.45am Royal Navy Inaugural Parade and CCF Mon 2 July Year 13 Leavers' Dinner, 7.00pm Dinner Tue 3 July Sports Day Fri 27 April Year 8 Phase 2 Reports issued Wed 4 July Westcliff Sinfonia Summer Concert, 27-29 April Silver Duke of Edinburgh Practice 7.30pm Expedition Thu 5 July Art, Craft & Design Evening, 7.30pm Tue 1 May Year 12 English visit to Stratford-upon- Fri 6 July Enrichment Day Avon 6-9 July Year 9 History visit to Great War Visit by Professor Mark Warner Battlefields Thu 3 May Summer Chamber Recital, 7.30pm 7-14 July CCF Army Section Summer Camp Sat 5 May WCGC: Languages Day, 8.30am 8-11 July Year 12 Chemistry visit to Bristol Mon 7 May BANK HOLIDAY Thu 12 July Junior House Drama Festival, 7.00pm Wed 9 May Internet Safety and Mental Health Fri 13 July Year 8 Phase 3 Reports issued Evening, 7.30pm Year 10 Phase 3 Reports issued Thu 10 May Musicology Seminar, 3.45pm Tennis Ambassadors visit to Wimbledon 22-25 May Year 12 Geography visit to Barcelona Summer Band and BBQ, 7.00pm 28 May-1 June SUMMER HALF TERM 15-18 July Silver Duke of Edinburgh Assessment Fri 8 June CCF RSME Boat School Expedition House Golf Competition, 4.30pm Mon 16 July Alumni Network Summer Social, 7.30pm 9-10 June Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Practice Thur 19 July Year 7 Phase 3 Reports issued Weekend Year 9 Phase 3 Reports issued Sat 9 June Parents' Association Race Night, 6.15pm Fri 20 July SUMMER TERM ENDS, 2.45pm Thu 14 June Visit to Royal Festival Hall, 4.45pm 11-19 August Drama visit to Edinburgh Fringe Festival Wed 20 June Year 12 University Superfair 3-5 September Uniform Shop open, 1.00pm-4.00pm Higher Education Evening, 7.30pm Wed 5 September STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY 23-29 June Year 12 Geology visit to Isle of Arran Thu 6 September AUTUMN TERM BEGINS, 8.45am Mon 25 June Oxbridge Conference Tue 26 June SCHOOL FINISHES AT 12.50PM Open Evening for Year 5 pupils, 5.00pm

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Page 32 The Westcliff Diary