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

Headteacher: Jane Abbott

Headteacher’s Letter

Huge celebrations took place at school this around and have maintained the excellent summer with the publication of this year’s standards of dress and courtesy that GCSE results. The class of 2014 achieved they established on their first day at the record breaking results - the best the school school. Several information evenings have has ever attained. 75% of all students been held for new parents including the gained at least 5A*- C including Maths and Year 7 KS3 Information evening and the English with 62% of students achieving 9 E-Safety evening, (copies of all information GCSEs or over at grades A*- C and 30% presentations can be found on the school of all GCSE entries being at grades A*- A. website) and our recent Year 7 parents’ Both the Maths and English departments evening. The feedback received was very achieved their best ever results with 81% complimentary. and 87%, respectively. Congratulations go ‘I am delighted with ’ to all our students, especially those who exceeded their targets. In addition Year 10 ‘So impressed – it’s a superb school’ students performed excellently in Statistics and Year 9 double language students scored ‘The communication is superb – beyond magnificently on the FCSE qualifications. excellent’ These are outstanding results which provide ‘Settled in better than I could ever have our students with ever greater opportunities imagined’. for their future and place Woking High School amongst the top performing state In October, we held our annual Open schools in Surrey. Staff, parents, governors Evening and Open Mornings. These are and the local community should rightly be much anticipated events and ones which proud of the achievements of the students at staff and students alike thoroughly enjoy as Woking High School. they have the opportunity to show their pride in the achievements of Woking High School On 1 August – the first anniversary of our and its students. This year, as in previous conversion to status, we launched years, we were inundated with visitors, our new website. Our aim is to provide a and parents and prospective students were website which reflects the ethos and spirit given the opportunity to look round the of the school and allows for ease of access whole school. We were immensely proud and site navigation so that all users are of our student guides who were superb able to find relevant and key information. ambassadors. The feedback on the new site has been exceptionally positive and we welcome any As everyone is fully aware, this year marks suggestions for further improvement. the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of WWI. In October, we shared with parents This term has been very successful for both the school’s plans for commemorating this students and staff at Woking High School. historic event over the next four years. We Year 7 students have settled in superbly also gave parents the opportunity to offer at secondary school. They quickly got their own suggestions and become involved used to new subjects and finding their way

Winter 2014 Newsletter Winter in the school’s activities. As a partner

Woking High School is an exempt charity and company limited by guarantee. Registered in England with Company Number 8586085 and has a registered office as above. Woking High School, Morton Road, Horsell, Woking, Surrey, GU21 4TJ Headteacher’sTel: 01483 888447 Fax: Letter 01483 888448 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wokinghigh.surrey.sch.uk

Headteacher: Jane Abbott

school with the Imperial War Museum we will be posting It recognizes that excellence in this area is embedded news, information and interesting items on our website. across the school, acknowledges the achievements of At 11 a.m. on the 11 November all staff and students our staff and the value we place upon them. The award is participated in an extended act of remembrance. Adam applicable to organizations in industry, business, retail and Best, Year 11, performed the Last Post before a two education. Nationally, only 7% of institutions gain the minutes silence was impeccably observed by the whole Gold standard so we are delighted to be members of this school. At the end of those two minutes, 764 poppies were elite group. released from the top of the main school building, each At Woking High School, we always mark the start of the one representing one of the soldiers commemorated on Christmas period with the Windband’s performance at the the Woking War Memorial. As the poppies drifted slowly Woking Christmas Lights event. Our Windband played a downwards through the light breeze, the notes of the festive set which really set the tone for the pre Christmas Reveille combined to create a moving and poignant tribute events. It was a tone that was captured especially well to those who lost their lives in the Great War. Students by Marcus Truman, in a beautiful rendition of ‘Walking then processed to the front of the school and placed in the Air’. The Windband, once again, will play at crosses in the recently created Garden of Remembrance. the Combined Carol Service at St Mary’s Church and Each cross is inscribed with the name of a soldier listed entertain us at our Christmas Concert at the end of the on the war memorial in Horsell, establishing a link term. between our students and those men of Horsell from one hundred years ago; a link that will be explored further by Woking High School finishes term on Friday 19 students over the next four years. December at 12 noon and begins the Spring term on Monday 5 January 2015 at 8.55 a.m. To complete the day, a rich and diverse programme of World War One themed music, drama and poetry was Everyone at Woking High School sends their best wishes appreciated by everyone at our Concert of Remembrance. to every member of the Woking High School ‘family’ The school was delighted to welcome Councillor Tony for a joyful and peaceful Christmas. Thank you for your Branagan, Mayor of Woking and the Mayoress, Mrs Mary continued support, commitment and contribution towards Branagan to this event and proceeds from the concert ensuring our school is such a happy and successful place were donated to the Mayor’s chosen charities. in which to learn.

Woking High School students and staff have been Jane Abbott, Headteacher involved in many charity events this term. These have included raising money for Jeans for Genes, Macmillan nurses and Children in Need. News of our fundraising activities is included in this newsletter as is the announcement that 40+ staff will be participating in the Woking Half marathon in March, to raise funds for Woking Hospice. We have also been in receipt of ongoing support from St Mary’s Church coffee club who donate funds to our Young Carers. The group will also receive financial support from the Mayor of Woking, who has chosen Woking High School Young Carers as one of the three charities he is supporting in his mayoral year. We are most grateful for the Mayor’s continued support.

I am very proud to announce that Woking High School has been awarded the Investors in People Gold award. IiP status is a much prized standard and by achieving this it demonstratesWoking High our School commitment is an exempt charity toand companystaff development. limited by guarantee. Registered in England with Company Number 8586085 and has a registered office as above.

2 Woking High School Alumni Primary School Links

Woking High School Alumni

We are always delighted to hear news of Woking High Also we have basked School alumni. In September a number of ex-Woking in the reflected glory High School students left college to continue their studies of Max Bowden’s at post-18 level. Amongst them were: acting successes. Max, who left Ayushi Aggarwal Mathematics and Economics Woking High School LSE in summer 2012, George Bowen Economics has secured roles in University of Surrey a number of films including ‘Great Andrew Bryan Mathematics Expectations’ and University of Reading most recently has a lead role in ‘Waterloo Road’ and will be taking a lead role in ‘Birdsong’ which tours the Catherine Campbell Medicine UK in 2015. We are delighted for Max and are looking University of Birmingham forward to a ‘surprise’ guest appearance from him at our Harriet Coulson Politics and History Christmas concert on December 17. University of Manchester Our current Year 11 students are involved in applying Helen Finney Biology with French for post 16 college placements, employment and Imperial College apprenticeships. They are being given considerable advice in school, through our careers provider Innervate Jade McEntee Mathematics and by speakers from outside institutions – especially University of Southampton from a wide variety of post-16 providers. Kirsten McLean English and French University of Oxford To all ex-Woking High School students – please do keep us informed about your career paths and life experiences. Abigail Taylor Psychology We have plans to publish an annual Alumni newsletter University of Sheffield so you can keep up-to-date with news of Woking High School and its past students. We regularly receive news of two ex-Woking High School students at Eton College – Sam Collett and Chris Shah, Jane Abbott - Headteacher who are both relishing the opportunities provided by this world renowned establishment.

Primary School Links

Mrs. Doe and I visit 22 feeder primary schools during the 6 students, talking them through the process and giving second half of the summer term. We make sure that the students the opportunity to ask any questions they might transition, for Year 6 students coming to us in September, have. We are pleased and proud of our connections with is as smooth as possible. In order to support students the local primary schools and receive positive feedback through the transition, Mrs. Doe and I speak with all class from students about their experiences as a result of our teachers to get a clear picture of their students’ strengths, excellent links. skills and any areas they may find more challenging when J Sleap, Head of Year 7 they arrive at Woking High School. We then address Year

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

ENGLISH

Year 7 Reading Records Andy Briggs ‘swings’ by

This term Reading Records have been introduced for all Woking High School Year 7 students to encourage and recognise reading at In November, Year 8 spent their Day home. Feedback from students and staff has been very 11 with the English department. positive. The Reading Records include the English staff In the morning students’ worked book recommendations, where best to purchase/ borrow on activities linked to the website books and ‘top tips’ for parents when listening to your for ‘Tarzan’ author Andy Briggs, son / daughter reading. We value reading very highly creating cinematic interpretations of at Woking High School. Thank you for your support in an extract from his novel ‘Tarzan: improving your son / daughter’s reading ability. The Greystoke Legacy’ through J Sleap, Head of Year 7 analysis of imagery and then creating persuasive charity appeals for the ‘Adopt an Ape’ link available on his website. Andy arrived at lunchtime and during the first part of the afternoon he worked with two groups discussing ideas for their own ‘Defender of the Beasts’ novel and provided very entertaining answers to interesting questions put to him by the students. The final session of the day was a much anticipated presentation to the whole year group in the Hall. Andy shared some of his fascinating life experiences with the students and explained how he made the transition from reluctant reader to successful writer. Students and staff alike enjoyed an entertaining day and the rare opportunity to engage with a ‘real life’ writer.

E Scannella, English

MATHS

Area Maths Challenge

On Tuesday 2 October, twelve students took part in a Congratulations to the Year 7 team who won their section. Maths Challenge hosted by Sir William Perkins School Well done to all the following students who took part: in . Six schools took part including St George’s Year 10 Daniel Cheetham, Alex Zalaf and Jethro Koch College, Magna Carta, Salesians and . The teams were made up of three students from each year Year 9 Jodie Moffatt, Joseph Gannon and Zainab Abid group 7 – 10. The challenge consisted of four rounds including problem solving, code breaking and making Year 8 Chloe Wells, Sebastian Ellis and Javeria Sultan polygons (which was harder than it looked!). The students Year 7 Ram Marwaha, Owen Swain and Sam Orpin thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. The competition enabled the students to work as a team and helped them to developWoking problem High School solving is an exempt skills charity andand company perseverance. limited by guarantee. Registered in England with Company Number 8586085 and has a registered office as above.

4 Maths Design and Technology

Key Stage 3 SHAPE Maths Horsell Village School Year 2 Competition Maths

On 6 November nine students from Years 7-9 made On the 13 November fourteen Year 8 students went to the trip to Gordon’s School for the Surrey Heath Inter Horsell Village School for the afternoon to help with a School Maths Competition. Woking High School was Year 2 Maths event hosted by the Village School. The one of 6 schools in attendance (Gordon’s, Tomlinscote, Year 8 students were split into four groups and each group Collingwood, Winston Churchill and Kings International). facilitated an activity. Around thirty Year 2 students took We entered a team in each of the Year 7, 8 and 9 part from various primary schools around Woking and the competitions and all the students worked hard through hall was buzzing with excitement. The activities included the hour long series of exciting mathematical and logical tangrams, mathematical jigsaws and number problems. reasoning challenges. All the students thoroughly enjoyed The Year 8 students worked extremely well with the Year themselves and were a credit to Woking High School. 2 students and they enjoyed explaining the activities to the Congratulations go to the Year 7 team who won for their younger children and being teacher for the afternoon! year group and the Year 8 team who came third in their P Dixon, Maths section. These are the best results we have had since the competition started.

Year 9 Lauren Finney, Dalya Abdali and Zoe Neale

Year 8 Adnan Abdul Aziz, Raman Bansal and Faiyaz Moolji

Year 7 Ram Marwaha, Jude Silverton and Amy Starvas

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

STEM Club

This half term marked the launch of the new Science There are plenty of Science fairs and competitions which Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) Club at offer team entry for schools, so if there are any interesting Woking High School. STEM club is available to Year projects that catch your eye, STEM is a perfect place to 9,10 and 11 students and its aim is to complete large scale try them out! projects on a half termly basis. Next half term the STEM club will be involved in a During the Autumn half term, the club has been producing Technology based project, so for anyone who would be a biofuel, which is seen to be tested in order to judge how interested in participating, listen for an announcement in much energy will be released on burning and calculate the assembly in January! efficiency of producing this type of fuel. H Bujok, Science

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

SCIENCE

Science Club

Science Club has really started with a ‘bang’ this term. fun experiments from ‘Flaming Hands’, to ‘Fire Writing’, With a huge number of Year 7 students joining this year, to making their own gooey slime. Every Wednesday the enthusiasm and excitement for Science seems to be afternoon there is the sound of intrigue, excitement and ever-growing within the school. The club is now being laughter emanating from the Science Department. We led by two very keen Triple Science students from Year hope to see even more Year 7 and 8 students coming to 11, James Underwood and Dominic Tweed, who have join the action next term! captivated and enthralled their younger audience from Z Radford, Science week to week. Already, students have taken part in many

HISTORY

Berlin 2014

On the cool and grey morning of 13 November, 42 Year 11 students and 4 very sleepy teachers embarked on a journey; brimming with excitement for what lay ahead of us. Having spent the last 12 months investigating the rise of Hitler, life in Nazi Germany, opposition to the Nazi regime, the Berlin Blockade and subsequent airlift, the Berlin Wall and life in a divided city - we could anticipate some of what we were about to discover, however we could not have prepared ourselves for the experience that After having a much needed sleep, we set off in the would now stay with us for a very long time. morning for a day of remembrance. We went to a number of memorials throughout the course of the day which each Our first day, focussed on reconciliation and escape was gave us diverse insights on the number of different horrors intense. A visit to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the population of Berlin faced. One memorial we made allowed us to recognise the shared suffering of civilians in our way to was the memorial of the murdered Jews and Germany and Britain during the bombing campaigns on we were left to reflect and develop our own ideas of what cities such as Berlin and Coventry, and the horrors faced the artist had created. We were allowed to walk round the were contrasted with the peace felt in the new church. We maze of concrete blocks considering what it all meant then visited part of the wall which was still intact. It was a for the 6 million Jews that were needlessly murdered, shock to us all about the process it took for one to actually 6 million is no longer just a round figure for us - it escape East Berlin as we walked through the ‘death strip’. represents a mass of individual people and families. The A memorial in the centre, adorned with white roses, rest of the day entailed sightseeing, visiting the Reichstag, represented those who had died in an attempt to get to Brandenburg Gate and Postdamer Platz and its Christmas the other side. As evening approached, we returned to market. We ended the day with a visit to the most amazing the hotel to explore and settle in before going out again chocolate shop, definitely a treat for us all. The evening to Check Point Charlie. The purpose of the museum was consisted of a fun, yet competitive game of bowling, a again to deepen our understanding of just how difficult it much needed wind down for us all (except Mr Trinder was for East Berliners to escape to the open arms of West who got a bit too excited when he won). Berlin, by adapted cars, trick suitcases and even a hot air Woking High School is an exempt charity and company limited by guarantee. Registered in England with Company Number 8586085 and has a registered office as above. balloon.

6 History Food Technology

We visited Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp on the sincere ‘cheers Jeff’ from us all!). We will remember third day which was very chilling and emotional for the visit in black and white (literally, thanks to Jono’s everybody. Just the fact that we were bitterly cold in monochrome camera setting) knowing that everything in thermal layers and coats put into perspective that we the text books was 100% real and the events that changed could not even comprehend how the prisoners would the lives of so many individuals have now affected each have felt in the middle of winter in nothing but their and every one of us. We gained so much insight into uniforms. Walking round the camp, visiting a housing opposition to the regime, highlighted by the museum of block and on-site prison was very eerie and it really sank opposition, which we are all grateful to be able to translate in how awful the conditions were for the captives and how into our controlled assessment which we will complete lucky we actually are. It is certain that nobody will ever now we are home. underestimate the suffering they felt again, having had a Avani Bansal, Year 11 Student first-hand look around the camp.

Throughout the visit we had the full Berlin experience. Whether it be experimenting with traditional foods like schnitzel and curry wurst, admiring the beauties of the city structures or trying to obey Ampelman!. We got used to travelling by train and tram via our good friend Friedrickstraße, and walked a grand total of 55km over the course of four very valuable days. We had a wonderful and very informative tour guide who immersed us in his passion and knowledge of the history of Berlin (a very

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

The ‘Great British Bake Off’ at Woking High School

All students had to produce 10 savoury and 10 sweet canapés as well as a winter themed cake within the time allocated. The competition was judged by Mrs Abbott who spent some time deliberating over the array of impressive creations. The results were announced with 1st place in each category going to Alishba Zaman, Kirsten Young, Amy Price, Ann-Marie Williams and Abigail Doe.

All students who participated did extremely well and showed great improvement in their skills, organisation and time management. Every student who participated on the day should be really proud of their amazing accomplishments! Well done!

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge It was clear to see during the last Day 11 that we have thank you to all of the wonderful parents and carers who many star bakers at Woking High School! Our very purchase the ingredients for the students on a weekly talented Year 10 Catering and Food Technology students basis. took part in a ‘Great British Bake Off’ style competition and produced some very attractive and tasty items! J Fear, Technology

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

Food Technology seeks caterers Afterschool Cookery Clubs and hospitality professionals beginning in 2015!

Do you work within the hospitality, catering or food Winter Warmers (5 weeks) - Exclusively for Years 7 industry? Are you available to share your experiences with and 8 held on Day 5. Students will make a range of our enthusiastic students for a morning, afternoon or even dishes suitable for winter mealtimes and will be able to an hour? If so, then please get in touch as we are looking demonstrate a range of skills. Recipes will include fruit for guest speakers to share their experiences and perhaps crumbles and soup. even demonstrate their skills to our students. For more Foods from Europe (5 weeks) - Exclusively for Years 9 information or to volunteer please contact Miss Julie Fear and 10 held on Day 10. Students will make a range of (DT teacher) at [email protected]. dishes from around Europe to demonstrate a range of skills and to also learn about foods from other cultures.

J Fear, Food Technology

Examination Success for Students in Music Performance

Since the last Newsletter, students have received results for practical or theoretical examinations taken during June and July 2014. Some results for examinations currently taking place between November and December have also been published. The following students (placed in alphabetical order), have all been successful in examinations for the Associated Board of The Royal School of Music or Trinity College. Graded examinations range from 1 – 8. Congratulations to all students for achieving such excellent passes and many thanks to the instrumental peripatetic and private music teachers for preparing them successfully for public examinations:

Adnan Aziz Year 8 Pianoforte – Grade 3 – Merit Maya Keynes Year 9 Clarinet – Grade 3 - Pass Adnan Aziz Year 8 Theory of Music – Grade 3 – Distinction Sophie Kozlowska Year 8 Clarinet – Grade 5 - Merit Jonathan Bell Year 11 Flute – Grade 7 - Merit Andrew Lumb Year 11 Trombone – Grade 8 - Distinction Daniel Cheetham Year 10 Theory of Music – Grade 5 – Merit Maddie McClements Year 7 Pianoforte – Grade 3 - Distinction Hannah Crook Year 8 Alto Saxophone – Grade 3 – Distinction Stephen Moore Year 8 Theory of Music – Grade 1 - Merit Gabriella Ferlita Year 11 Modern Dance – Grade 6 – Merit. Stephen Moore Year 8 Clarinet - Grade 3 - Merit Linus Fuge Year 11 Pianoforte – Grade 7 – Distinction Sophie Russell Year 11 Saxophone – Grade 5 - Merit Ryan Ingham Year 10 Classical Guitar – Grade 6 – Merit Ella Shankla Year 8 Singing – Grade 5 - Distinction Ryan Ingham Year 10 Theory of Music – Grade 5 – Pass Ellen Steinbach Year 11 Flute – Grade 8 – Distinction Joel Johnson Year 7 Clarinet – Grade 2 - Pass Markus Steinbach Year 9 Pianoforte – Grade 5 - Distinction Amelia Joos Year 8 Flute – Grade 4 - Pass Hollie Tibbetts Year 8 Flute – Grade 4 – Merit

Well done to Maddie McClements (Year 7). Maddie won the Meredith Cup for the Open Piano Recital up to Grade 3 at the Woking Music Festival in November. She also received a Commendation from the adjudicator.

S Goodwin

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

8 Music

Viva España – Musical Success on the Costa Brava

After a twenty one hour journey via ferry and coach, we to a market town to buy trinkets. Following dinner we arrived in the Spanish resort of Tossa de Mar on Sunday embarked on an excursion to a Flamenco dancing show at 20 July. Our hotel for the tour was a short walk from the a local hotel. sea and had excellent facilities. After dinner, we set up The next day we travelled to Barcelona where our third to perform the first of four scheduled concerts over five concert was located at the top of La Rambla, staged in days. We opened proceedings with Gershwin’s `Strike up the wonderful setting of an open-air courtyard within the Band’ and continued with our varied programme of the Maritime Museum. A large, appreciative audience music in front of a packed house. It was a great start to the enjoyed our musical programme, as did the parents tour and Elizabeth Kozlowska and Sara Hill were superb of Ross and Caitlin Davidson, who made a surprise in their roles as English and Spanish compères. They appearance. soon encouraged a score of children to perform with the band on a variety of percussion instruments to our encore On our last full day in Spain we embarked on a fantastic of `The Blues Brothers’. The hotel manager and staff cultural journey into art and the mind of Salvador Dali. were delighted with our concert as were the guests who Born in Figueres, his former home is now a museum and treated our students as celebrities whenever they saw them architectural masterpiece in surrealism. Our guided tour throughout the hotel. of this museum was a revelation for most students, they were genuinely intrigued as our guides unravelled the We had some time to relax on Monday afternoon and this mysteries hidden within each painting or object. was an opportunity for Mrs Selmes to update the blog, which was our much anticipated link to parents and fans We concluded the tour with a very special concert just a alike. Our second concert was not so well attended due to short walk from the Dali museum. We were honoured to its location, however, the performance was well received be performing at a professional music festival, `Gresca a and attracted passing attention. la Fresca’. This open air concert was located adjacent to a beautiful theatre and we soon filled the massive stage Tuesday 22 July was a concert free day so we enjoyed which was adorned with a vast lighting rig. The Technical a day of relaxation with a long boat trip along the coast

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

and the students played as professionals to deliver a flawless concert. Musical highlights of this concert and tour were Rhian Harrison’s atmospheric acoustic guitar solo `El Negrito’ and Sara Hill and Sophie Russell’s captivating rendition of Delibes operatic aria `The Flower Duet’.

Sadly it was the last ever Woking High School Music Tour for the ten former Year 11 students who have officially hung up their band polo shirts and choir dresses. This concert was superb, in a beautiful setting with a very enthusiastic and appreciative audience. It really showed off the talents of both windband and choir.

Assistant Group (TAG) led by Mr Griffiths and a team of All of the students have been outstanding in their local sound engineers created the best amplified sound we contribution to music performance and they have all had ever heard. We really did benefit from the TAG team dedicated their efforts to improving themselves as this year, and Mr Griffiths and Year 11 boys did a splendid musicians and to become excellent ambassadors for job of producing the choir and band throughout the week. Woking High School through music. The audience was huge and filled the whole town square S Goodwin, Director of Music Performance

Year 8 and 9 Aachen and Cologne Christmas Market Visit

It was an early, cold, dark morning when 21 excited Year and drink while enjoying the lights and music, and took the 8 and 9 students gathered to set off to Germany. After a opportunity to buy presents for loved ones back at home. long journey through 4 countries, we arrived in Aachen for We then continued our journey to the hotel on the outskirts students’ first glimpses of the German Christmas Markets. of Cologne, where students sampled more German Students used their knowledge of German to order food hospitality.

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

10 Visits

The next day brought a visit to Cologne. Students enjoyed Saturday incorporated a visit to the Three Country Point looking around the cathedral, before walking along the where Germany, Belgium and the meet. After Rhine to the famous Lindt Chocolate Museum. Students hopping between the countries it was time to head home. participated in a guided tour and even made their own Everyone had a great time and returned to school on chocolate slabs to take away! The late afternoon brought Monday, with a renewed passion and enthusiasm for the a visit to the Cologne Christmas Market, lighting up German language. as the sun went down. The cathedral proved to provide A Marris, German a stunning backdrop to the market, where students got time to enjoy the delights of some German Christmas traditions.

Japanese Visitors

A very successful homestay programme took place during fewer opportunities to question, discuss and debate, and October where students from the MeySen ESL High that as a result her school was rather “sleepy”. Happily School in Sendai, Japan visited our school for one week. there was little chance for sleep here. The homestay This was a fantastic opportunity for a cultural exchange. students were treated to an exciting array of activities Much was learnt on both sides and it provided the basis ranging from visits into London, taking in Buckingham for some wonderful new friendships. Palace and Hampton Court to trampoline, traditional Morris dancing and girls football practise. Our visitors were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic welcome they received from both their host families and All the homestay students wished to extend their gratitude the wider Woking High School community. It was clear to both the students, staff and members of leadership here from their conversations that the MeySen pupils were at Woking High School whose dedication to excellence really impressed by the interactive nature of learning made their experience a truly wonderful one. provided here at Woking High School. One girl in B Bunsell, English particular remarked that classes back home provided far

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

Zambia Visit – July 2014

At the end of the summer term, 18 Year 11 students, accompanied by Mr Costard, Mr Young and Miss Dixon, embarked on an experience of a lifetime when they visited Zambia to build on the work completed during the inaugural visit in 2012. They worked with the Tag Rugby Trust, a registered charity which exists to improve the lives of children in some of the poorest regions in the world. The Trust works with orphanages with the local children and they were exemplary and government schools, coaching Tag Rugby and ambassadors for Woking High School and the UK. provides a sustainable programme for both the children Approximately 400 Zambian children benefitted from the and teachers. coaching delivered by our students. On tournament day, friendships were set aside as twelve teams from the three We were again able to work with both ZOCS and Joseph schools battled it out to win one of three trophies. Linda schools as well as working with 3 other schools; Shield Wisdom, Divine and Benevolence, a school which By early afternoon, once the coaching had finished, time has over 100 students with varying needs. The students was spent completing community work using the money spent five days coaching tag rugby based at ZOCS; this raised by the Woking High School staff and students. meant collecting the other children from their various Three classrooms at Joseph Linda were cleaned and schools. It was amazing to see our students interacting painted as well as the outside wall at Divine school. Our girls collected water from the local borehole while the boys took part in gardening and seed planting. We were also able to visit Benevolence, Divine and Shield Wisdom where we distributed many of the hundreds of football shirts donated by the Hogan family from the United States. Through the tag rugby coaching and the community work, we have continued to strengthen our international links with a number of schools within Lusaka, Zambia.

After the week of coaching plus the frenetic tournament, it was a welcome relief to travel down to Livingstone to stay at the humorously named ‘Fawlty Towers’ hostel. We visited the magnificent Victoria Falls before heading on to the Mosi-oa-Tunya Game Park, where we were able to see giraffe, buffalo and zebra. The following evening we were able to reflect on our time in Zambia as we watched the sun set on the mighty Zambezi river whilst observing hippo and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Although visiting Victoria Falls and seeing the wildlife was unforgettable, it will be the interaction with the Zambian children that will be the lasting memory for both students

and staff. Woking High School is an exempt charity and company limited by guarantee. Registered in England with Company Number 8586085 and has a registered office as above. P Costard, Head of PE

12 House News

HOUSE NEWS Photography Competition

Once again we had some fantastic entries both from students and staff in our House photography competition. There were 118 photos submitted in total and the standard was extremely high.

WINNING PHOTOS

Animal Antics Connor Bakhisen 11G OVERALL WINNER (Stephenson 50 housepoints) Aiden Gale 11R Portrait (100 housepoints) Black and White Mr Smee (Faraday 50 housepoints) And overall points were awarded as follows: My own Oasis Rebecca Green 7R (Brunel 50 housepoints) Brunel 39 Curie 13 Faraday 45 Stephenson 21 Portrait Aiden Gale 11R (Brunel 50 housepoints) C Rouse, Head of House System Caught in Action Mr B Harman (Brunel – 50 housepoints)

Day 11

At the time of going to print, we have had two Day 11s In November Year 7 spent time learning about of E-safety this academic year, Friday 30 September and Thursday 6 working with our Computing team to understand the November. In October 138 Year 7 students went to visit importance of staying safe online. Year 11 used the Battle Abbey, it was their first experience of Day 11 and day to complete an ISA in Science, thus enabling them they were all very excited to see where the battle took to complete a whole assessment in one day without place. Year 8s worked in Science to look at how the brain impacting on other curriculum areas. Year 10 spent days and their senses worked. Year 10s spent extra time in in D&T and Geography preparing for their Controlled both English and Maths to develop skills to support their Assessment tasks. Year 9 spent time in a series of learning in lessons and Year 11s used time to develop workshops discussing the themes of relationships and Controlled Assessments in ICT, Art and DT. GCSE Media health. Year 8 spent a day in English looking at the work students with Mrs Tuson had the opportunity to visit the of Andy Briggs who has re-written the Tarzan books with BBC and the students were given a tour and presented a 21st Century outlook. their own news broadcast and found out how hard it was M Abbs-Rowe, Associate Leadership Team to work with a green screen to present a weather forecast.

13 Woking High School, Morton Road, Horsell, Woking, Surrey, GU21 4TJ Tel: 01483 888447 Fax: 01483 888448 Email: [email protected] DofEWe b:Award www.wokinghigh.surrey.sch.uk Headteacher: Jane Abbott

Football Club to Peer Mentoring our own students. We will start expedition training after the Christmas holidays.

Please make sure all expedition dates are kept free: Navigation Day 11 – 18 March Practice Expedition 15 & 16 May Final Expedition 2 & 3 July

Year 11 Bronze Award

Following another successful expedition this summer I am pleased to report that, so far, 20 students have completed their award. Many students just need to input their final Duke of Edinburgh’s pieces of evidence so that they too can complete their Award award. A presentation of certificates will be held on 24 March at Year 10 Bronze Award the HG Wells Suite in Woking – and further details will Following a well-attended Information Evening, 70 new follow in the new year. recruits have been signed on to the Bronze Award and The final date for completion of awards in order to attend many have already started their activities. I am pleased the presentation evening is Monday 5 January. to see so many actively volunteering in the community with placements ranging from Rangers E King, Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator

VI Student Wins Competition

When I found out about the “Writing my way to Paris’ if you give it a try! So, never doubt yourself! You are competition and entered it, I was not expecting to win. I amazing, talented, powerful and incredible. Make the guess I was just giving myself something to do. I had no impossible possible! problems writing the story; I already knew what it had to Zaynab Rehman, Year 9 VI Student be based on. However, the story could only be 700 words long but I had so much to write! It took me time to go through and delete any irrelevant parts to get to 700 words but I finally got there!

I found out I had won the competition through a phone call. My Mother came in and said “someone wants to talk to you”. When the woman on the phone mentioned “Writing my way to Paris” and the words “Congratulations, you have won” came through the phone and I was absolutely shocked. I had won two tickets to Paris and £750 spending money. If there is one thing I have learnt from this experience it would be to always be confident and have faith in yourself; anything is possible Woking High School is an exempt charity and company limited by guarantee. Registered in England with Company Number 8586085 and has a registered office as above.

14 Charity Competition Win

Woking High School “Your shoebox is just the first Charity of the Year step to transforming a young life for eternity”

In October Mrs Abbott launched the Operation Christmas Child We are delighted to announce that Woking shoebox appeal, this is a charity long supported by the school and High School will be supporting Woking & primarily involves Year 7 students, but all members of the school Sam Beare Hospices as our major charity for community are welcome to make up boxes and bring them into this academic year. The school has always school. been proud to partner charities within our local community and believe the core values of the At the end of November we were delighted to hand over 120 Hospice, which focus on the highly personal, shoeboxes to Mr Shurville, a representative of the Operation holistic approach to care, is something that we, Christmas Child charity. The shoeboxes, once full and wrapped as a school, try to emulate in our commitment up, are to be sent to young people less fortunate than ourselves, to supporting all our students. In May 2014 who would not otherwise receive a present at Christmas. we unfortunately lost one of our Pastoral Co- 7R were extremely enthusiastic to be involved in such a ordinators, Mrs Carrie Thomson to cancer after worthwhile cause. Between them they produced 22 shoeboxes and a 19 month fight with the disease. Woking one student, Rebecca Green completed 6. We are very proud of Hospice provided Carrie and her family with this achievement outstanding support, care and kindness in her as a tutor group final weeks. Woking Hospice relies almost and the students exclusively on voluntary donations. As a school have been we are proud to do all that we can to help them rewarded for their in providing invaluable care in our community. efforts. Over 40 members of staff have signed up to run K Kimber 7R the Woking Half Marathon, on Sunday 8 March Form Tutor 2015, on behalf of Woking Hospice, under the banner of ‘Team Woking High’. The team incorporates a huge spectrum of staff from all departments, age ranges and fitness levels! We will keep you posted on developments Children in Need as preparations gather pace in the New Year. If you would like to donate to the Woking On Friday 14 November 2014 a team of students and teachers, Hospice by supporting ‘Team Woking High’ led by Year 9 student James Barber, sold doughnuts to the school please visit the Justgiving page below: to raise money for BBC Children in Need. 500 doughnuts were https://www.justgiving.com/teams/ supplied free of charge by Sainsbury’s Woking branch. The teamwokinghigh doughnuts were delivered to the school where a team of students were waiting to set up a doughnut stand. After school a team M Scott, Assistant Headteacher of fifteen students ran the sale of the doughnuts; this raised a staggering £450 for BBC Children in Need! However, we couldn’t have done this without the help of the students and teachers and the generosity of Sainsbury’s Woking. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this amazing event a success.

James Barber, Year 9 Student

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

Headteacher: Jane Abbott

SPORT National Swimming Success Surrey Schools Biathlon

The Under 15 Boys Team - Matthew Danton, Robbie At the Surrey Schools Biathlon at the K2 Arena in Faulkner, Ewan Smith, Richard Sugden and Alex Zalaf Crawley, Woking High again achieved remarkable qualified for the National Secondary School Relay success. See individual and team performances below: Championships at the London Aquatics Centre in Team Results: November. This was after winning both the Medley and Freestyle Relay at the Surrey Championships at Guildford Under 16 Girls 1st Kirsten Young, Tilly Russell Spectrum. At the National Finals the fastest 20 school and Phoebe Grant teams in the country are invited to compete, there were Under 13 Boys 1st Olie Zalaf, Max Chitty close to 200 teams who had entered each event. A superb and Rory Smith swim in the heats of the Medley Relay saw the boys qualify ninth fastest for the final. An even better swim in Selected Individual Results (Top 4): the final saw the boys finish eighth. In the Freestyle Relay Under 16 Boys Alex Zalaf 1st the boys qualified fifth fastest for the final and after an Under 16 Girls Kirsten Young 1st outstanding swims by Alex Zalaf on the second leg and Ewan Smith on the anchor leg we finished fifth. Ewan Under 15 Boys Ewan Smith 1st clocked the second fastest 50 metres split out of all the Under 13 Boys Ollie Zalaf 2nd competitors in the final and showed the form that has seen Under 16 Boys Fraser Tattersdill 3rd him selected for the England Talent Programme. Under 16 Girls Tilly Russell 3rd Under 15 Boys Joseph Jakubait 3rd British Clubs Biathlon Under 13 Girls Olivia Wood 3rd At the British Under 16 Boys Phoebe Grant 4th Championships we Under 13 Boys Max Chitty 4th gained considerable At the Ascot Biathlon Under 15 Boys Robbie Faulkner success: and Matthew Danton came first and second respectively. Team Result: At the East Midlands Biathlon Under 15 Boys Richard Under 15 Boys Sugden finished third. 2nd Place As a result of the National ranking list ten of our students (Ewan Smith, qualified to compete in the National Club Biathlon Richard Sugden, Robbie Faulkner) Championships in Birmingham in late November. Ewan Individual Results: Smith and Alex Zalaf are ranked second in their age Ewan Smith Under 15 Boys 3rd Place groups and Joseph Jakubait sixth. Alex Zalaf Under 16 Boys 6th Place Fraser Tattersdill Under 16 Boys 8th Place (Fastest Swim) Boys Basketball Ollie Zalaf Under 13 Boys 9th Place All five year groups have made promising starts with the Richard Sugden Under 15 Boys 14th Place Year 7 Boys team dominant in winning the first District Olivia Wood Under 13 Girls 15th Place Tournament and the B team finishing third overall which Robbie Faulkner Under 15 Boys 19th Place is highly encouraging as it demonstrates strength in depth. For the A team the stand out players were Connor As a result Ewan Smith and Alex Zalaf have been selected Leggett, Alexis Cortade and Asher Goosen. The Year 8 for the EnglandWoking High Talent School is anProgramme exempt charity and for company Pentathlon limited by guarantee. GB. Registered in England with Company Number 8586085 and has a registered office as above.

16 Sports

team finished fourth in their first tournament. The Year 9, Girls Rugby 10 and 11 sides have won ten out of their eleven District games. Players that have really shone include Year 9 Jake Both the U13 and U15 teams have participated in two Webb and Peter Arnold, Year 10 Sam Mason and Robbie Surrey rugby festivals already this term, with more Faulkner and Year 11 Alex Braine-Porter and Oscar planned for the new year. At Old Emmanuel RFC, the Wyman. At county level the Year 10s are unbeaten and the girls were lucky enough to meet several of the Women’s Year 9s have won 2 out of 3 games. World Cup winning squad and spent some time asking them about their training.

Girls Basketball The U13 team are undefeated, having won all 11 of their games. Strong tackling from Amy Hatchwell and The stand out team has been Year 11 this team who have Hannah Crook, the pace of Olivia Wood and Aisha Rashid won all their matches to date in District, County and together with the leadership of Caitlin Davidson has made National competitions. Ellen Steinbach, Jess Atkinson, this team a formidable force. Millie Riley and Beckie Davies have been key to the team’s success with good contributions from Rachel The U15 team have had similar success, remaining Lovelace, Atifah Abdullahi and Isabel Aughterson. The unbeaten, including a draw, in the nine games played so girls are looking forward to some tough games to come far. Four players – Amba Hill, Georgina Wicks, Paige notably in the National Competition. The other year McElhatton and Bethany Anders – have been selected groups are all in the midst of playing District/County for the Surrey U15 squad. Amba, Georgina and Beth all League games. played in the regional festival while Amba was selected to play in the match against Kent.

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

Girls Netball Year 11 suffered an early loss in the County Cup against St Peters losing 3–2 but with everyone available they Years 7-10 have all played several fixtures and have should be a force to reckon with and will be keen to had some mixed results, but the Year 8s have been the avenge their District Final loss last season on penalties. most impressive. They recorded excellent wins against Gordon’s, SJB, Sir William Perkins and Heathside. Molly Price and Freya Ruddle have shown excellent form and Girls Football have been vital to the team’s success. There has been a slightly disappointing start to the beginning of this season considering the incredible Boys Football success at County and District Level we have had in recent years. However the Under 14s have progressed into All teams have made an extremely positive start to their the third round of the County Cup after two convincing footballing season with some very promising results wins. What has been incredibly pleasing is the number of at both A and B team level. The number of boys who girls who have been selected to represent Surrey. This is have regularly attended football practices has been highlighted later in this report. encouraging, causing a number of headaches when it comes to team selection! Cross Country The Year 7s have shown great enthusiasm and the highlight to date was finishing Runners Up in the District In the first round of the English Schools which featured 5-a-side competition after recording wins in the group schools from all over Surrey our Inter Boys team came stages against Gordon’s and Salesians and a draw against fourth and qualified for the London and South East Finals. BDB. We then beat Fullbrook on penalties in the semi- The highest individual finisher on the day was Olivia final before losing to Winston Churchill in the final. Stand Wood who came fifth in the Junior Girls race. out players have included Asher Goosen, Jake Rumble, Sam Smith and Dominic Ariyo-Francis. Divisional / County The Year 8s have shown excellent commitment to their Representation football this year, with over 30 boys regularly attending Harris Porter, ex Year 11, has just been named in the practice on a Friday after school. They have achieved England Under 17 Basketball New Horizon squad some good results which have included victories over following a Regional Tournament where he represented Winston Churchill, Fullbrook and Salesians. Stand out the South East in Nottingham. players have included Mark Porter, Morgan Porter, Adam Gray and Yuta Osawa. Richard Sugden represented Surrey at the Inter Counties Swimming Championships helping them to sixth place Year 9s have started tremendously which has been overall with over 20 Counties competing and setting a reflected in some excellent results. The A team are ‘personal best’ in the process. undefeated this year, having achieved victories against Winston Churchill, SJB, BDB, Fullbrook and Salesians. Anisha Hill, Lillie Boothroyd, Bethany Anders, Jasmine They have also been impressive in the County Cup, Paterson and Naomi Jaenicke have all represented Surrey winning 3-0 against Epsom & Ewell High School and Girls at football. 12-0 against Grey Court School, with three players scoring a hat-trick. All players have contributed to the Amba Hill, Bethany Anders and Georgina Wicks have all success of this side and it is difficult to single out any represented Surrey Girls at Rugby. individual. Luke Elliott has represented Surrey Boys at football.

Year 10s have sadly had only one fixture after a number David Faulkner has represented the South East at Under of last minute cancellations by opposition schools, this 15 Boys Hockey and was then put into a National High was a loss against a very good Salesians side in the Performance squad for the top 80 players in the Country. District Cup. The boys are playing Woodcote School in the CountyWoking Cup High and School will is an exempt be hoping charity and companyfor a successfullimited by guarantee. run Registered in in EnglandJ Justice, with Company Director Number 8586085 of Sport and has a registered office as above. that competition.

18 Friends of WHS

Friends of Woking High School

The Friends of Woking High School met in September retailers: for every penny you spend with your favourite for their annual General and Ordinary meetings and were store, a percentage comes to the FoWHS. There’s no extra delighted to welcome many new members. Appointments cost to you or the school – and no hidden catches! In were made to the Committee with Saniyah Testa taking the run up to Christmas we are hoping to encourage all the role of Vice Chair, replacing Julie Barker, and Tracy parents and carers to sign up and earn as you shop. We Millar taking over from Justine Talbot as Treasurer. will be sending out separate information giving guidance Thank you to both Julie and Justine for their years of as to how you can join. hard work and many thanks to those parents and carers who took the time to find out about how the work of the We would also like to remind you about the Woking FOWHS can benefit our children. High School Prize Club that gives parents and carers the opportunity to enter a termly lottery and at the same time This term, the Committee were pleased to be able to make a donation to the Friends of Woking High School. provide funding for the school to buy additional teaching Subscriptions to the Prize Club are £5 per month collected resources such as eight Scrabble sets for the English termly. To make the most of these great prizes we are Department, as well as equipment and posters to support looking for at least 20 more subscriptions, so don’t delay the GCSE Child Development course. From your – sign up and support your school today. donations, we were also able to replace music stands, percussion instruments and buy a bass amplifier as well as Thank you once again on behalf of the Committee, staff contribute to students’ competition entry fees for a local and students of Woking High School for your continued music festival. support. If you are interested in finding out more about the Friends of Woking High School or signing up for As part of the school’s commitment to maintaining the Prize Club or Give as You Live, please contact us at attendance, the FoWHS continue to fund attendance [email protected]. You are also most awards and congratulations to those children who were welcome to join us at our next breakfast meeting on 11 recent winners! February 2015 at 8.45am for coffee and croissants. We look forward to seeing you there. The FoWHS are always on the look out for innovative ways to raise funds and so we have recently signed up to S Flaherty, Secretary the Give as You Live scheme. This is an award-winning Friends of Woking High School fundraising site that works with over 3,500 online

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

Headteacher: Jane Abbott

Attendance Free School Meals and Our overall attendance so far this year is the best ever at Pupil Premium 96.42%, please continue to support us in aiming for 100% attendance wherever possible as there is much evidence to Families in receipt of the following benefits may be support the direct positive correlation between excellent eligible to receive a free school meal to the value of £2.15 attendance and good attainment. per day - that’s £10.75 per week: We would like to extend our gratitude to the Friends of • Income Support Woking High for donating money to the school to help • Income Based Job Seeker’s Allowance us raise expectations for excellent attendance and reward • Child Tax Credit, provided that their annual income students who have attended well. Every half term the is less than £16,190 (as assessed by Her Majesty’s students who have achieved 100% attendance are entered Revenue and Customs) and they are not in receipt of into a Prize Draw where they have the opportunity to win Working Tax Credit a £10 voucher. • The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit If there are any circumstances that are impacting on your • Income Related Employment and Support Allowance son or daughter’s attendance please do not hesitate to • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum contact your Head of Year or Pastoral Co-ordinator for Act 1999 advice and support and we will do what we can to support You may have heard in the press recently about the ‘Pupil you Premium’. This is a mechanism to target education Thank you for your help and support in helping us to funding towards students from families who have been in maintain excellent attendance at Woking High School. receipt of free school meals at any time in the previous six years. So now it is doubly important that any family C Wilkinson, Student Support Officer eligible for free school meals does claim them. Please request and complete a form whether or not you decide to Online Payments take up your Free School Meals entitlement. Application forms are available on request from Mrs Our online payments system has been a great success. It Harman on 01483 888447 extension 252 or by email at can be used for paying for school visits and events and [email protected]. All applications for topping up your child’s restaurant account. Payment will be kept strictly confidential. Thank you for your co- can be made on this secure site using debit or credit card operation. and confirmation reaches you instantly. This system eliminates the need for students to carry cash or cheques K Collins, Director of Finance and Resources to school, avoids the need for you to have the correct change and lessens the delay in queuing at the revaluation machines. Another benefit is that you are able to review Spring Newsletter your child’s restaurant purchases. You will have received We are considering trialling the use of email to distribute a communication with a linkcode for joining the online the Spring Newsletter (it will still be posted to those payment system but if you require this code again please without an email account), please let us know your views contact Mrs Harman on 01483 888447 extension 252 or by February half term. As always, all newsletters will be by email at [email protected] . available on the website. K Collins, Director of Finance and Resources Jane Abbott, Headteacher

Parking Term Dates The winter nights are now closing in meaning that safe parking outside school is even more imperative. Please Spring Term 5 January – 27 March 2015 could we ask parents to respect the parking signs and Half Term 16 February – 20 February 2015 restrictions and not to park on the zig-zag yellow lines Summer Term 13 April – 21 July 2015 on Morton Road. Parking in these areas jeopardises the safety of ourWoking students High School isas an exemptthey charityleave and school.company limited by guarantee. Registered in England Halfwith Company Term Number 858608525 and hasMay a registered – 29 office May as above. 2015 Inset Days 23 January and 19 June 2015 20