Our Autumn magazine takes a look back on the first half term here at Waldegrave, covering all aspects of Waldegrave life from around the school to trips and visits and our community fundraisers.
Waldegrave School
CONTENTS
WELCOME A message from our headteacher. 03
04
AUTUMN HIGHLIGHTS A showcase of some of our most exceptional moments.
WALDEGRAVE COMMUNITY Our recent charity events and PTA fundraisers. 15
22 23 27 31 34
EXTERNAL ACHIEVEMENTS Spotlighting our students’ accomplishments beyond the classroom. VISITING SPEAKERS Learn about the number of visitors we have had the privilege to hear from this half term. PERFORMING ARTS Take a look at our Drama and Music departments recent events. SPORTS Hear all about our sports teams and their recent matches and tournaments. TRIPS & VISITS Students have enjoyed local trips as well as over seas visits.
Welcome to the first magazine of the new academic year. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students' individual and collective successes. I hope that reading through the contents gives you a flavour of life at Waldegrave. On the cover you can see a picture of our new student leaders, Kate, Anesu, Ajax and Dila. Together with the rest of the House Captains they are busy organising and supporting
events for all the students to enjoy. This half term the Macmillan Coffee Morning was the first big event and really brought the community together. Once they have finished their mock exams they are looking forward to starting rehearsals for the annual staff panto, when they will enjoy having the chance to tell their teachers what they have to do! We all enjoyed our first Drop Down Day of the year in mid October and you can read all about the varied activities that all the students had an opportunity to participate in. A big part of the day was helping students at key transition points, Years 9, 11, 12 and 13, make important decisions about their futures. This Summer saw our students achieve tremendous success at GCSE and A Level, allowing them to pursue a wide range of pathways beyond school. Whilst the majority of our A Level students chose to go onto university, there are no pathways that dominate, which reflects our commitment to ensuring our students are supported in their individual aspirations. Courses that this year’s students went on to study included Anthropology, Music, Korean studies, Chemical Engineering and even Marine & Natural History Photography. As our current Year 13 students submit their university applications we are excited to see where they head once they complete their Waldegrave journey.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 Class of 2023 who achieved outstanding GCSE results this summer. 92% achieved at least 5 GCSEs, including English and Maths at grade 4 and above; 76% achieved at least 5 GCSEs including English and Maths at grade 5 and above; and 48% of all grades achieved were grade 7 to 9! We were particularly pleased to have achieved a Progress 8 score of 0.93. This progress score measures the progress students make whilst at Waldegrave by measuring their GCSE outcomes against their key stage 2 results. This is really important as it recognises the achievements of students of all abilities. This was our best ever Progress 8 score and places Waldegrave at the top of schools across Richmond.
Congratulations to our A Level students who have obtained excellent results, an achievement all the more commendable when we remember that this cohort did not sit public exams at GCSE due to Covid-19 disruption. Of all grades awarded, 44% achieved A*/A and 71% A*-B. In a year when we have seen a reduction in the number of A* and A grades, it is tremendous to see that 25% of students achieved at least three A*/ A grades!
“This half term we went on our Silver DofE practice and assessed expeditions which were a challenging yet fun experience. Over the course of three days we walked 60km, walking seven hours a day learning navigation skills and how to work effectively as a team. We also had to set up our own tents and cook our own food, after fueling ourselves with lots of yummy snacks throughout the day!
In our free time at the campsite all the groups came together and sang songs and told ghost stories in the spooky dark; our supportive leaders joined in for
some too. The leaders were very helpful with guiding us with the navigation whilst
supporting and motivating us throughout the expeditions.
We recommend this experience as it is a very good team bonding activity which you can do with your friends as well as meeting other people in the year you may not have spoken to before. It also teaches you transferable skills like teamwork and communication which will be great for your CV and future jobs and experiences.” - Kirsten & Izzy 11ESU
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We were delighted to open the doors of Waldegrave to prospective Year 7 students for 4 days of Open Morning Tours hosted by our Year 8 students. We welcomed Year 6 students and their families into the main hall to commence their tour with a welcome presentation from the Headteacher as well speeches from Year 8 and Year 11 representatives. We loved seeing our students deliver such confident and authentic speeches during the presentations talking about their experiences of school. Additionally, we are incredibly proud of our Year 8 students who were such fantastic tour guides, showing the prospective students around the school grounds. “We all enjoyed taking families on tours and showing off the school. I remembered really clearly coming on Open Morning myself when I was in Year 6 so I knew how important it was to be friendly and welcoming. A number of us also gave speeches on the Open
Mornings. It was very scary but then I remembered everyone in the audience wanted me to do well and I felt proud that I had managed to speak in front of several hundred people.” -Tamira R, 8SGZ
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We held our Sixth Form Open Evening in October where we welcomed over 1200 visitors to our school. The event was very well received and our Year 12 & Year 13 students did a fantastic job of representing their subjects and our school. We are very proud of them - many of our visitors commented on what excellent and passionate ambassadors they are for the school. We hope the current Year 11s enjoyed their visit and are enthused about their Post-16 options. Applications are now open and will close on 15 January 2024. APPLY HERE
For our Year 7 students, the first half term drew to a close with a burst of excitement as they enjoyed their very first Drop Down Day. Forming new friendships is a really important part of the transition to secondary school, so the day was the perfect opportunity for students to get together and have some fun.
Students really enjoyed travelling by train together into Kingston where the day began with a trip to the cinema. The cinema was filled with laughter, gasps and the magic of storytelling, as they immersed themselves in Disney’s latest release, Elemental. The students really enjoyed having the cinema to themselves for the screening. After the film, Year 7 enjoyed lunch and a round of bowling. There was some fantastic competition between the students and accompanying staff. It was clear that everyone had a great time together and created memories that they will share throughout their time at Waldegrave.
Drop Down Day offered a chance for our Year 8 students to embrace new horizons and let their creativity shine. On this unique day, the spotlight turned to the rich and vibrant traditions of Sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing music, dance, art, and drama. The students dived head first into a day brimming with
cultural exploration, an immersion into the rhythms and colours of Africa. The day’s itinerary was a celebration of diversity, with workshops that included the soul stirring beats of African drumming, the infectious energy of Afrobeats Dance, the intricate art of jewellery making and the mesmerising world of African drama. This Drop Down Day was a symphony of learning, discovery and self-expression. As the students danced to the rhythm of the drums, crafted their own jewellery, painted with vibrant colours and engaged in captivating drama performances, they found a profound connection with the traditions of Sub-Saharan Africa. The day was a reminder that education is not confined to textbooks but comes to life for experiences, creativity and the celebration of diverse cultures.
This first Drop Down Day of the year was a golden opportunity for Year 9 students to explore their academic futures, gaining insights into their potential GCSE subjects and charting their paths toward future success. Students had the chance to explore a number of subjects
and gain a clearer understanding of what each entails at GCSE level. Whether it was the allure of Science, the magic of Languages, the intricacies of Mathematics, or the artistry of the Humanities, this Drop Down Day allowed our students to make informed decisions about their academic journeys.
The day also featured a speed networking event that allowed students to meet a host of professionals. From paramedics and architects to TV presenters and Engineering managers, a diverse range of experts generously shared their insights, experiences and career pathways. It was an eye opening experience leaving tudents left with a clearer vision of the many roads open to them.
For our Year 10 students, Drop Down Day focused on the art of public speaking, where students honed their oratory skills and learned the art of crafting compelling speeches. Under the expert guidance of the workshop facilitators they practised their delivery, fine tuned their messaging, and discovered the transformative power of their own voices. As the day unfolded students were empowered to create speeches that resonated with their passions and beliefs making their voices heard on topics close to their hearts. In a culminating moment, they took to the front of the class to perform their speeches, speaking not just to the ears of their peers but to the hearts of an entire room.
“I didn’t just admire those who gave their speeches, I admired those who were listening... We learnt the importance of public speaking, not only are you passing information, you’re telling a story, and that is what everyone did.” - Imogen C-A, 10PCL “The speak out challenge encouraged me to have more confidence in what I was saying and it forced me to deliver my words in a different way. I think the purpose of the day was to teach us that our words are powerful and how to deliver them in the most effective way.” - Isla D, 10EHA “The purpose of the workshop was to learn how to communicate with other people and put forth your views. The mood in the room was so welcoming and friendly. People were respectful to each other and completely non-judgemental towards others’ views.” - Bhavya S. 10FHE “Being able to communicate effectively is a highly valued skill in the workplace, so learning this skill early on will be very helpful for the rest of our lives, especially since we will be doing work experience later this year.” - Lucy K, 10PCL
Drop Down Day was not just about breaking from the usual routine for our Year 11 students, it was an opportunity to explore, learn and set their sights on the path ahead. The day kicked off with boundless energy as students enjoyed a fun sports day event. Laughter filled the air, and the spirit of camaraderie soared as they participated in a range of games and activities. Opportunities such as this are important to help student wellbeing as they manage the pressures of Year 11. The highlight of the day came in the form of an enlightening talk from an external speaker, the esteemed Leslie Bachelor CBE. Lesley was the Director General of the institute of export for 12 years. She has been an advisor to both our Government and many international bodies on trade, investment, manufacturing and anticorruption. In the afternoon, the students were based in the Sixth Form where they learned more about post-16 options. They had the chance to meet current Year 12 students who shared their experiences and wisdom, shedding light on what it's really like to study various subjects at A Levels. It was an opportunity to peek into the future, to learn, and to make informed choices about the paths they’ll tread in their academic journeys.
Our Year 12 Drop Down Day was designed to prepare our students for the academic journey that lies ahead of them. This day served as an opportunity for our students to explore academic and professional landscapes, offering them a window into the world of Higher Education and careers. The day was marked by a series of taster lectures delivered by visiting academics from local universities, including St. Mary's, Roehampton, and Royal Holloway. These passionate educators offered a taste of what university lectures entail, immersing our students in the world of Higher Education. As they engaged with these lectures, they found themselves inspired by the depth and variety of degree courses available, setting the stage for informed decisions about their future academic pursuits. But the day didn’t end there; it was also a window into the professional world. A careers networking event gathered experts from various fields including Marketing, Charities, the Army and Criminal Defence Solicitors. Each speaker shared their experiences and insights, offering a valuable glimpse into the array of career paths that await beyond school. The students left with newfound knowledge and a broader perspective, paving the way for them to consider exciting and diverse career possibilities they may not have contemplated before. We are extremely grateful to the parents who volunteered to support this event.
The Annual Y7 Bingo Night that took place at the end of September was once again a fabulous event, and a great fundraiser! It was lovely to see so many families join in the fun. Some Year 7s arrived with their parents and friends, others brought their grandparents along and there were a few older siblings too! The Bingo kept everyone entertained, the pizzas were superb and drinks and sweets were sold all night long.
Our next fundraiser is the Christmas Tree Sale on Saturday 2nd December from 10.00am to 12:30pm. There are several options for tree sizes and you can also purchase a stand. These will appear on Parentpay on Friday 20 October, and the pre-sale will close at 9 am on Friday 1 December. You can then pick up your tree from the school on 2 December. You can also pick up some uniform at the pre-loved Uniform sale on the same morning. Please let us know if you would like to help at any other event or if you have any ideas or contributions for a future fundraiser by emailing pta@waldegravesch.org.
We raised over £1500 thanks to the hard work of our parent volunteers manning the bar, Patrick, Jason, Mark and Lara. A huge thank you to Sarah and her daughter calling the numbers in their fun Bingo jackets. We've lost count of how many years of Bingo-calling Sarah has done, and the good news is she's keeping going! Thank you Victoria and Matt for doing an amazing job with the pizza order from Piazza Firenze. Thank you to Miss Lane, Deputy Headteacher and Mr Bannister, Assistant Headteacher for greeting everyone at the door and making sure that we had a very enjoyable evening. The best part was that so many people made new friends at the event!
We would like to say a huge thank you to all those that participated in the Macmillan Coffee Morning on Tuesday 26 September. We managed to raise over £1000, with Franklin raising the most of all the houses. This money will go towards helping people that are living with cancer by providing them with services and care. Macmillan also uses funding for cancer research. We were so impressed by everyone’s house spirit and enthusiasm for this event. Many thanks to all who donated their wonderful baked creations, and we are so grateful to everyone who purchased items in support for the Macmillan Charity.
Thank you,
The House Captain Team
Encouraging our students to read widely and for pleasure is central to our school values of enjoy, achieve and empower. We were therefore delighted to be able to host our annual Scholastic Book Fair just before half-term. Over one week students in Years 7-9 all had an opportunity to browse the carefully curated selection of books, which included a wide range of different fictional genres alongside a number of reference books, as well as stationery items. Students had an array of choices that catered to their varied interests and reading levels. Not only did this fair offer an opportunity to discover new books, but it also highlighted the importance of fostering a lifelong love of reading. This year both Holly Jackson and Sue Wallman’s thrillers proved particularly popular with students. Overall the feedback from our students was resoundingly positive. Many found the fair enjoyable, not just as an avenue to explore the latest bestsellers and literary classics, but also as an opportunity to share their excitement for reading with peers. It was great to hear students recommending their favourite reads to friends. The Book Fair also raises vital funds that are reinvested back into our school library to ensure that all students can access books that fire their imaginations all year round.
Our Year 7 students ended their first half term marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In a heartwarming display of support and solidarity, our Year 7 students came to school proudly wearing pink, raising awareness and funds for this important cause. With enthusiasm and style, they pulled off various shades of pink, from vibrant fuschia to soft pastels, to raise awareness. We’re thrilled to share that their efforts bore fruit, as they collectively raised an impressive total of £345 through cash, ParentPay and JustGiving donations to contribute to breast cancer charities. This is a testament to the compassion and commitment of our students. If you would like to join us in making a difference, we invite you to visit our Justgiving page linked below, where you can be a part of this incredible journey toward a brighter future in the fight against breast cancer. Together we can make a significant impact!
Despite their countless contributions to society, the achievements of Black women, in particular, have too often been overlooked or forgotten. That is why, this year, Black History Month was focused on celebrating the exceptional achievements of Black women.
Waldegrave continues to support the work of Show Racism The Red Card and we look forward to wecloming them into school to deliver workshops to our Year 7 students. If you would like to donate to this cause please click here to be taken to our JustGiving page.
At Waldegrave we have delivered an important assembly to all year groups which included learning and celebrating the achievements of some exceptional Black women both from the past and in the present who have carved their paths to achieve successfully in their various fields despite facing many challenges and prejudices along their personal journeys. As part of both the assembly and our tutor time activities we have asked students to embrace a reading challenge which provided a link to 100 books
by Black female authors and a link to the Black History Month national poetry competition. Waldegrave school has chosen to run the same poetry competition and hopefully we will be able to share some contributions from our students. Some of our Year 11 students reflected on the assembly, sharing their thoughts with us: “An empowering assembly that showed the importance of Black History” - Molly and Alie “The assembly was very educational and I felt the reading lists and videos shared gave me an opportunity to learn and grow” - Eleri “Focusing on Black women in the assembly makes us recognise and celebrate the diversity in our own school community” - Nehir
Well done to Emilia L in 10FHE who has been selected for the U16 Middlesex & England Rugby DPP – a season-long rugby programme which is the first step on the player pathway towards representative rugby. The aim of it is to support the holistic development of young women in pursuit of developing highly skilful and adaptable rugby players and to prepare players to excel in a world leading future Red Roses team.
Congratulations to Clemence P in 10PRE who after flying out to France to compete in the Olympiad EJOI has returned home with a Bronze medal!
Well done to Camila K in 9STH for passing her Grade 2 Trinity exam before the Summer break.
Congratulations to Nina C in 9SPI for passing her Grade 2 Guitar exam with a Distinction.
Well done to Ursula M in 10SPT for passing her Grade 3 Piano exam with a Merit in the Summer.
Congratulations to Scarlett M in 10EAH who has been selected to dance in the Youth Grand Prix International Ballet competition in Italy!
Well Done to Floss G in 11FLE for achieving a Distinction in her Grade 4 Trinity Singing exam before the Summer break.
Congratulations to Georgia M-M in 11FEL for passing her Grade 4 Trinity exam with a Merit!
Congratulations to Nicole B in 12NSI who has won an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship and will be sponsored by Haribo throughout her A-Levels! Well done to Lizzie H in 11SPA whose hard work over the summer holidays has paid off as she has gone on to achieve both a Distinction in her Trinity Grade 6 Singing exam and a Merit in her ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory exam!
Our Economics students were treated to a remarkable opportunity as they gathered to hear from the renowned IT industry veteran, Tony Horrocks. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Tony shared invaluable insights into the dynamic IT landscape and the incredible potential it offers. He emphasised that the furious pace of change within the industry is not a challenge to be feared but rather a tremendous opportunity. He painted a vivid picture of what the future holds for aspiring IT professionals, offering our students a glimpse into the unfolding digital landscape. In a world where knowledge is the key to success, this talk by one of the UK’s leading business experts was a golden opportunity for our students to tap into Tony’s vast reservoir of wisdom. The evolving nature of the working world was brought into focus, and our students were invited to reflect on the opportunities that lie ahead. With an engaging and insightful delivery, Tony captivated the audience, making the complex world of IT accessible and intriguing. Students left the talk with a deeper understanding of the IT industry’s incredible potential and the assurance that the future is rife with exciting possibilities.
We are incredibly grateful to have welcomed into school Jim McKeown, one of our parents, who delivered an insightful talk to our Design and Technology students in Year 9 and 10.
For the last 20 years, Jim McKeown has been making and creating a wide selection of props for Film and TV. From a history of being a model maker, prop maker, Special Effects technician to working as a Supervising propmaker, his work is very varied. We learnt that a great deal of McKeown’s work has been in feature films, and in the course of his career he has been fortunate enough to have worked with such great directors as Ridley Scott, Chris Cunningham, Andrew Stanton, Joe Johnson, Danny Boyle and Sam Mendes! During his visit, students were allowed to select one of Jim’s projects that they were particularly interested in to learn more about the world of creating models and props. Students learned how designers need to understand the properties of different materials to produce props that meet varied filming requirements. They were fascinated to learn about the variations of Captain America's shield, which is made from anodised aluminium for close up shots and rubber for fight scenes!
This proved to be a great opportunity for all the students who attended as they were keen to learn all about the industry, gaining insight into the world of creative career choices!
Our A Level Science students had the privilege of attending a thought-provoking talk by the distinguished Professor David Holt who has more than 50 years’ experience in laboratory medicine. He established an embedded company within St George’s, University of London, providing specialist laboratory services for the measurement of drugs and naturally occurring compounds. The lecture delved into the intricate world of laboratory medicine and drug development, shedding light on the ethical quandaries that often arise in the field. Professor Holt’s insights were invaluable, providing our students with a deep understanding of the ethical conundrums inherent in scientific progress and their far-reaching impact on legal protocols. The experience left our students with a richer, more profound perspective on the ever- evolving world of science and ethics.
This enlightening lecture not only broadened our students’ horizons but also opened a gateway to exploring their own future roles in the field of science and medicine. The students were engaged participants in a conversation that encouraged them to contemplate the ethical dimensions of their future careers.
Waldegrave recently had the privilege of hosting Professor Anthony W. Fox, the distinguished Chairman of the London Research Ethics Committee for the NHS, and selector for the MBBS degree course at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Professor Fox’s visit was a significant highlight for our A Level Science students, offering a unique opportunity to delve into case studies and scenarios that become ethical conundrums - medical and research ethics. He engaged our students in thought-provoking discussions, working through challenging ethical scenarios which applied to each case, thereby bringing to light the ethical considerations that underpin the field of medicine. The talk left an indelible mark, revealing the pivotal role ethics play in the field of science and medicine. The students who attended Professor Fox’s talk left the event with newfound insights. The engaging discourse not only broadened their horizons but also equipped them with valuable knowledge that will undoubtedly prove instrumental as they embark on their journeys into the world of science and medicine.
The Music Department opened its performance calendar for 2023-2024 with the first Live Lounge of the year. The audience were treated to an extensive evening of music which included performers from all year groups sharing pieces they are currently working on. Some performers chose to put together a small ensemble for the evening whilst others used the evening to help prepare for upcoming solo performance exams at both GCSE and A Level. The performance standard as ever was exceptional.
The Music Department are thrilled to announce that they have been made a Music Mark school for this academic year. "We would like to thank you for all the hard work you and your colleagues do to ensure that pupils at your school are able to access a high-quality music education. Your dedication to delivering a broad and balanced curriculum is both welcomed and celebrated." - Bridget Whyte, Music Mark Chief Executive
A Level Music students went to South Bank at the end of last half term to see Manu Delagu, the world famous percussionist perform his own compositions with players from the Aurora Orchestra. The evening was a multimedia event and featured a mesmerizing hand pan which led a musical commentary on humanities impact on the environment.
Our Sixth Form Drama students had the opportunity to attend the Jack Studio Theatre in London where they watched the Upper Hand Theatre’s production of Colder Than Here by Laura Wade, which is their set text they are currently studying in lessons. As quoted on the Jack Studio website, “the Upper Hand Theatre Company is a brand new female-led theatre company providing opportunities for women and non-binary people in the arts.”
Our students said it was great to see the play in action with lighting, music and set design.
Our Year 12 and 13 A Level Drama students were left feeling inspired after watching the production of Shooting Hedda Gabler live at The Rose Theatre in Kingston. They now all look forward to spending their forthcoming lessons reflecting upon its themes and theatrical style. Carys, in Year 12 said, “The play was both harrowing yet electrifying. It was a great experience, as it sparked ideas for our Component 1 Mock Devising, which we are currently working on. It was so inspiring to see other actors that were so commited and devoted to the art form.”
Winning book by Poppy in 8EMU
Winning book by Ada in 8PWA
A burst of creative energy swept through our Year 8 Drama students as they were set the task to transform the front cover of their workbooks into a canvas of imagination. Students were very keen to get to work on transforming their books when they were fascinated to learn that this was not just a task to ignite their artistic spirits, but also a competition to reward their talents. The stakes were high, with a £10 voucher for the winner and a handful of epraise points for the runners up, up for grabs!
The judging panel for this competition consisted of our Drama prefects, who brought a discerning eye and a deep appreciation for the arts. They were impressed by all the book covers and found it difficult to pick a winner amongst all the creative designs.
In the end, it was a pair of stellar artists who claimed the spotlight; Poppy in 8EMU and Ada in 8PWA. Poppy’s entry stood out as she skillfully used fabric to emulate stage curtains, unveiling a stunning collage inspired by the enchanting world of Alice In Wonderland.
Equally deserving of the prize was Ada, whose workbook cover featured a captivating hand-drawn scene. Her artwork depicted a couple illuminated by the spotlight on stage, evoking a powerful sense of drama and emotion. Both students have been awarded a £10 voucher whilst lots of epraise points have been given out to other worthy books!
As we head into a new sports season, our young athletes have made an impressive start in the first half term. The Year 7/8 Football team showcased their prowess in their first match as they clashed with Twickenham School, securing a resounding victory with a final score of 5-1. October brought new challenges as the Year 7/8 Football team faced Turing House. Despite a valiant effort, this time they found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard, ending the game with a score of 4-1. But our resilient team didn’t dwell on this setback; they bounced back when they faced Richmond Upon Thames School and emerged triumphant with another impressive score of 5-1! Meanwhile, our Year 9 Netball team started the season with a match against St. Richard Reynolds. They proved to be a formidable opponent and the game ended with a losing score of 17- 4, however our young Netball players exhibited grit and sportsmanship. Their spirits remained high as they took on Richmond Park Academy, securing a thrilling win with a score of 12-7. Our Year 9 Netballers have shown that challenges only fuel their passion for the game. Lastly, our Year 8/9 Rugby team displayed their strength and unity as they battled Christ’s. In an intense match, they prevailed with a score of 12-8, a testament to their teamwork and skill.
The first half term of the school year has seen our Year 10/11 sports teams tackle challenges head-on, displaying unwavering spirit and sportsmanship. In their first game of the season, our Year 10/11 Rugby team faced off against RTS. Despite a formidable opponent, they played with heart and determination, even though the final score favoured their opponents at 50-15. Their performance showcased their resilience and commitment, setting the stage for a promising season ahead. Meanwhile, the Netball team embraced the competitive arena, meeting St. Richard Reynolds, in an intense game that culminated in a 14-14 draw. Their unwavering spirit shone brightly, and they remained steadfast in the face of a challenging opponent. A week later, they returned to the court to face Richmond Park Academy, and their hard work paid off as they emerged victorious with a score of 12-7. It was
a moment of triumph and celebration, a testament to their continuous growth and teamwork.
Before the Summer break, our Sixth Form Football and Netball teams received a boost. Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Sara Morton Real Estates, our dedicated athletes have been looking forward to wearing their brand-new kits adorned with Sara’s brand colours and logo.
Our Year 12/13 Netball team recently showcased their prowess at the Under-18 Borough Netball Tournament, where they clinched a commendable 4th place. The tournament was a testament to their dedication and hard work, and they proudly wore their sponsored kit as they competed. Looking ahead, both our Football and Netball teams are eager to take to the field/court in their new attire, brimming with determination and enthusiasm as they face upcoming challenges. Sara Morton Real Estates’ support has ignited a spirit of unity and excellence in our athletes, making them true ambassadors for the school both on and off the field. We express our heartfelt gratitude to Sara Morton for making this partnership possible, and we anticipate more exciting moments as the season unfolds.
Year 8 students in Design Technology took part in a national competition to design a bench with symbols and values to represent Great Britain on the Coronation of the King. As a result, 30 of our students had the privilege to attend the Tower of London where they enjoyed seeing the winning entries and crown jewels. Everyone had a fantastic time!
“I really enjoyed our trip to the Tower of London. We learnt a lot about the history of this special monument. There were many structures in the building that represented important time periods. I hope we visit again!” - Mia C, 8EMU
“The purpose of this school trip was to see the winning coronation benches. Because of the royal blue colour of the majority of them, I could see the detail of the black and white pictures that had been created by many young artists. My time at the Tower of London was educational, fun and everyone who worked there was very supportive and friendly. Every exhibit had braille below it which was amazing and meant I could read all the information along with my peers. The tactile exhibits were also wonderful and meant that my friend (who I was walking around with) could also experience it in the same way as me. My favourite exhibit was lifting the sword in the sensory room, I could really get a feel of the weight of it and I just thought this was awesome. The staff were supportive and helpful, letting my friend, my teaching assistant and I go separate ways to avoid big crowds. The paper information books were very tactile and helpful, however, obviously very well used and almost falling apart. I would recommend having more than one copy so that they can be shared out if there was ever more than one visually impaired person visiting the tower on one day. Overall, my experience was lovely, and I would love to go back again.” - Eleanor S, 8POR
“The production of ‘Red Pitch’ (performed at the Bush Theatre in Hammersmith) enticed the audience from our opening step
into the in-the-round auditorium. Through beginning the play with an actor on stage, playing with a football and interacting with audience members, we were immediately transported into the world of the play- a South London council estate’s football pitch. The story of three boys all with goals to be professional footballers only contained three actors, but the backstage crew transformed the play into something special. The lighting, sound and set all contributed to the overall environment- e.g. having one side of seats as football stands and the stage painted as a football pitch. On a Thursday night, the theatre was packed, with people from all over London coming to watch this popular play. The naturalistic style of acting contrasted to the abstract physical moments generated an interesting performance, leaving the audience never quite knowing what would come next. Humour was commonly used, with members of the audience (me included!) cackling along at regular intervals. The whole play only lasted an hour and a half but I found myself wishing for more as it came to an end. This heartwarming story gave me many ideas for the coursework
section of A Level English, as the themes of family and belonging unexpectedly came to the forefront of this ‘football’ play. I would recommend it to everyone!” - Grace A, Year 13
The GCSE Geography Field Trip took place during some pleasant conditions in October. 114 students boarded coaches for Juniper Hall on a sunny Monday morning, ready for an exciting two days in the field. Students were greeted by friendly tutors at the Field Centre, and quickly got to work in the classrooms after decanting bags from the coaches. Group A made their way to Crossways Farm where they would be measuring data on the changes of the River Tillingbourne from source to mouth. They were able to use hydroprops and tape measures to gather various data to analyse the changes upon return to the classroom. Group B were focusing on the human element of the course, so took a bus to Leatherhead where the impacts of the recent regeneration scheme were assessed. Students showed fantastic confidence and politeness in carrying out questionnaires with the locals, as well as surveys with business owners. Conclusions on the data collected were to be drawn back at the centre following dinner. On our second day, Groups A and B swapped respective locations for the day. Students then reconvened for one last time in the classroom to consolidate their notes and instructions for the follow up work they would be completing once back in school. Students will soon finish off the field work unit by practising some exam questions from Paper 3, where the sole fieldwork focus will be. Students should be commended for a very successful trip and accompanying staff should be thanked for their time once again.
“We learnt new skills and how to stay safe in the water, all while having a whole lot of fun! TYM is definitely a must-do experience.” - Lina S, 7EDA
The annual Year 7 visits to the Thames Young Mariners Outward Bounds centre took place over four days in September, with the aim of these days being for the students to get to know each other a bit better, try something new and have some fun. Students embarked on three activities: kayaking on the lake, building and then riding rafts, and working as a team to solve a series of physical challenges.
“Our raft was not working and we had to jump into the water to give it a push. It was really fun jumping in the river!” - Nada K, 7FFR
“We all had a blast out on the river at Thames Young Mariners. The raft building was definitely my favourite!” - India B, 7EDA
“Our trip to TYM was a day like no other. Not only did we get to make new friends, we also got to bond with the friends we already had. It was a fun and pleasant day, filled with many amazing experiences!” - Viola C, 7SHU
“I enjoyed all the activities. When it came to the raft building, our raft fell apart… I fell into the water and had to be rescued!” - Ashlynn T, 7FFR
“I absolutely loved TYM, it was a great way to get to know my class mates and make new friends.” - Lola M, 7EDA
“TYM was one of the best days ever! This was no ordinary day, it was a fun,enjoyable time spending the whole day doing so many fun activities. I was so excited for the raft building!” - Stella K, 7SHU
“There was fish in the water! I felt the fish touch my legs in the water, it was so amazing!” - Isobel A, 7FFR
“As Year 13s, we were lucky enough to be able to collect the data for the Non Exam Assessment in Barcelona this year. Even more luckily, we were treated on arrival to an abnormally warm start to Autumn on the continent. We were based in the coastal suburb of Sitges for our 4 day stay, with a goal of collecting data for coursework which will comprise 20% of our A Level grade. On our first day in the field, we were able to use a variety of specialist equipment to measure longshore drift and wave energy in the sleepy suburb. Furthermore, we were able to use clinometers and callipers to measure the beach gradient and average sediment size. This all led to being able to assess whether or not the beaches were adequately protected from coastal erosion. Some beach time was allowed before dinner where we were able to play volleyball along the shoreline or catch some of the evening rays. On our second day, we investigated the human elements of Geography in the city centre, in the famous El Raval district. On our journey into the city centre, we were able to stop at a stunning view point, Jardins del Mirador,
to locate our site of study beneath us. Here, we were able to use Environmental Quality Surveys to evaluate life in different streets, as well as recording land usage to determine if areas were more suited to tourists or locals.
From our prior lessons, we were able to recognise typical signs of urban deprivation within this area. It was
most surprising to note poverty on the doorsteps of five star hotels and complexes. Another period of beach time fitted in before dinner, where we had some prize giving for the best contributions to the week. All too soon we reached our final day of fieldwork. We had the choice on this day to revisit the site where we needed to collect more
data. One group of pupils remained on our local beach in Sitges and one group returned to El Raval. Both groups were briefed on methodologies for their final hours, and set off to their respective sites. We reconvened at the airport and after a final Spanish indulgence in the terminal McDonalds, we were on our way back to Heathrow. It was the trip of a lifetime and thanks must go to Miss Flanigan, Mr Jones, Mr Sharp and Ms Paterson for such a memorable time. We are all looking forward to writing up our findings from such an exciting location. It sure beats Juniper Hall!”
- Year 13 Geography students
“Going on the EGX trip was an amazing way to end the half term! EGX provided insightful and entertaining
experiences to us and it was a great way to introduce ourselves to the world of video games, throwing ourselves into this completly different side of media. As well as playing video games, such as “Mario Kart”, “Sonic’’, and many others, we also got to listen to influencers and game developers talk about their journey into the industry and their unique careers in media, which really gave us all a deeper look into the gaming industry, and inspired us to pay attention to the current events in gaming, and how they contribute to media as a whole. Additionally, walking around the convention whilst being surrounded by the target audience for these games was an eye opening experience, as we could see how passionate they were about the convention, the career talks, and especially the gaming. All in all, it was a very enjoyable experience that has taught us all a lot about gaming and for some has sparked an interest that they now would like to pursue and will prepare us greatly for when we come to study it.” - Yasemin W, Year 12 student
Our Year 10 GCSE Art students recently went on a captivating and artistic adventure at the enchanting Kew Gardens. With sketchbooks in hand and creative spirits ignited, they ventured through the lush gardens to capture the sights and sounds that define this verdant paradise.
Inspired by the vibrant flora and tranquil landscapes, our budding artists created a symphony of sketches that will help develop ideas for their first pieces of coursework. As students return to their classrooms with sketchbooks brimming with the beauty of Kew Gardens, we’re confident that they will produce some beautiful coursework, enriched with the vibrancy of nature inspired by their trip.
Year 12 Fashion and Textiles students ended the first half term of school with a visit to the new Fabric of Democracy exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey. The exhibition explores printed propaganda textiles over more than two centuries, from the French Revolution to Brexit. Propaganda is usually associated with public art and monumental sculpture. This exhibition explores how fabrics have been used as a political medium both in the home and on the body, through furnishing and fashion. From communism to fascism, textiles were used as a tool of the state across the political spectrum and democracies have promoted national identity through textile design.
This will form the basis of the students own studio practice, exploring fabric printing techniques and developing an original design in response to more provocative contemporary issues linked to politics, propaganda and protest.
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A cohort of our Year 12 students recently embarked on an exciting journey to the LinkedIn Head Office in London, and their day was nothing short of fantastic!
Throughout the day, our students immersed themselves in the world of professional networking, gaining invaluable insights into the art of crafting and managing LinkedIn profiles. This newfound knowledge will undoubtedly play a vital role as they set out on their professional endeavours. To cap off a memorable day, the students relished the opportunity to unwind with a complimentary coffee at the LinkedIn Barista, savouring the delightful experiences and lessons they had gathered. This visit was not only informative but also an inspiring step forward in our students’ academic and professional journeys.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Vezi Ncube, whose hosting made the visit truly memorable, and Natasha Ewhe, whose engaging and insightful presentation left our students enthralled.
ENJOY, ACHIEVE, EMPOWER.
Waldegrave School, Fifth Cross Road, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW2 5LS
020 8894 3244
www.waldegrave.richmond.sch.uk
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