Girls football win regional tournament. - May 2013

The U13 and U15 girls football team travelled to Broadlands School to play in the B&NES football tournament on Wednesday 8th May. Despite the pouring rain, both teams approached the tournament with great enthusiasm. The U13 team won their tournament, and the U15 team came an impressive 3rd place. Miss Weeks, P.E teacher commented ‘Some excellent football was played by both teams, and the girls' were a pleasure to take. U13 player of the tournament was Tallulah-Ede Bishopp, and U15 player of the tournament was Anna Lee. A massive well done to all of the girls involved.’ ... [Read More]

Students take on Ten Tors - May 2013

Over 2,400 teenagers braved torrential rain, strong winds and aching limbs to take part in one of the UK's most renowned and grueling expeditions. Two teams of Writhlington students faced treacherous conditions as they battled their way across Dartmoor to compete in the annual Ten Tors challenge. The army saw the highest drop out and incompletion rate that they have seen in years. Not only were they manning Tors, but also had to safeguard all river crossings as they had risen up to waist height over night. Conditions were not just challenging for the students, as 100s of team organisers set up their base camps only to be faced with up to 75mph gusts of wind, which left one man unconscious as he collided with a flyaway tent. Brigadier Piers Hankinson, director of Ten Tors and commander of 43 (Wessex) Brigade, said: "It's been really tough conditions this year. When they set off on Saturday morning there was a lot of rain, drizzle and very poor visibility. A lot of teams got disorientated early on”. He added: "It's not a race, it's a challenge and the conditions out there have been very challenging." Unfortunately, both Writhlington teams drew a new ... [Read More]

Gene is recognised for his outstanding Rugby - May 2013

Gene Norris, in Year 7, has been recognised for his outstanding rugby in his last year in Bath Mini Rugby Club. Gene won both the Bath Mini Rugby Under 12s Player's Player, as voted for by all his team mates and Player of the Year, as chosen by all his coaches. Gene will now progress into the Bath Youth Rugby Section in the Under 13s next season and is looking forward to training at the Lambridge Ground, alongside the more experienced Youth and Colts teams in September. ... [Read More]

Students compete in World Maths Day - May 2013

Earlier this year, students from Writhlington took part in World Maths Day for the first time. World Maths Day is an international event in which students compete online against each other answering questions as quickly as possible. This year there were around 6 million students from over 200 countries taking part. Now part of the World Education Games, nearly 300 million Maths questions were answered correctly during the competition. Over 300 Writhlington students took part, answering nearly 80, 000 Maths questions correctly, some individuals answered over 2,000 questions. Mr Page, Maths teacher, commented ‘Congratulations to all those that took part. The students really enjoyed the competition and in particular competing against International students. It’s really great to see students involved in an international tournament and we are already looking forward to World Maths Day 2014.’ ... [Read More]

Lord Lucas sees Science and Technology in action - May 2013

Lord Lucas from the Education Select Committee, visited Writhlington School to talk to pupils and staff about the work the school is doing in partnership with the Dyson Foundation. Year 9 pupils in Technology are carrying out investigations into the aerodynamics of equipment in disaster zones, using ipads and apps to measure and analyse the effects of mass, surface area and terminal velocity. Lord Lucas also viewed the Orchid Labs and the work pupils are doing with Sciencescope. He was able to see the latest invention – a Biobox which can simulate different climate zones and support the propagation and growth of plants from across the world. His parting comment to Headteacher Mark Everett was: “I’ve never seen a school where work of this standard is being carried out so successfully.” The school’s work with Dyson is continuing next year, supporting and encouraging the aspirations and inventions of young engineers and entrepreneurs. Pictured: Lord Lucas learning about the 3D printer, which was donated by the Dyson foundation. ... [Read More]

Old netbooks go to school in Africa - May 2012

Writhlington School is donating a large number of old student netbooks to support the education of students in a small village in Burundi, Africa. During parental consultation about the change to iPads, many parents were keen that the school found a charitable purpose for the redundant equipment. Chris Donovan and Chantal Ndikumana, two Writhlington teachers, have established a charity in Rusaga a remote community of only 6000 people, which aims to open a school and health centre for the local population. Chris Donovan commented‘ Rusanga is one of the poorest villages in the country, so the gift of these netbooks will make a huge difference to the children, especially as they have no other means to access this type of equipment’. The Burundi Education Foundation has been gifted land to build the school by the Burundian government and work on the structure has already started. However the charity is still in need of equipment and resources to turn the dream into a reality Professor Joseph Katihabwa, organizer of the project in Burundi, commented ‘It will be the first school in the region to follow the English curriculum and everybody is extremely grateful to Writhlington School for their kind offer’. ... [Read More]

"Exceptional vision and artistic achievement" - May 2013

by Petra Schofield for remotegoat on 05/05/13 Little Women - The Broadway Musical, Allan Knee, Mindi Dickstein and Jason Howland. This triumphant musical is based on Louisa May Alcott's classic 1869 semi-autobiographical novel, charting the lives of the iconic March sisters. There are few who may not know the story of the tomboy aspiring writer Jo, the romantic caring Meg, pretentious Amy and the kind hearted, tragic Beth who live with their loyal, caring Marmee whilst their absent father is away serving as a Union Army Chaplain during the American Civil War. Writhlington School at The Prospect Theatre has captured a production of beauty and poise with the finish deserving of any professional touring company. Set design (Becca Long), creates a beautiful homestead with a warm happy environment, the versatility of the log cabin staging allowing the drama to flow easily, a highly atmospheric vision coupled with complementary lighting design (Ed Hill) and costumes from Carol Lewis, defines a tableau that is quintessentially American and this fine artistic stamp sets a memorable platform for the show. The charm and beauty of this musical lies within its excellent score and wonderful script, bursting with fun and reality never shying away from sadness but ensuring there is ... [Read More]

Mock car crash will save lives - May 2013

Writhlington joined forces with local emergency services to deliver a ‘ better/safer-driving day’ for its Sixth Form students. The aim of the day was to encourage sensible driving among Sixth Form students, as this age group is statistically most likely to be involved in a traffic collision. As part of the day, sixth formers were invited to watch and participate in a controlled car crash scenario, which was set up in conjunction with the fire brigade and ambulance service. The whole of Sixth Form also heard the tragic warning message of Justin, a young man who had lost his girlfriend in a car crash the previous year. Mike Burr, Head of Sixth form commented ‘The organisation and coordination of the various services and volunteers was outstanding. Students were able to witness teamwork, skill and the high level of commitment that the emergency services have to undertake’. ‘Having spoken to a number of students and staff it is clear the message has got through and this day will have saved lives. Students and sixth form tutors have said it was the best personal, social and Health Education day they have had in their time at this school ... [Read More]

Corey Walkes selected for GB Junior Squad - May 2013

Corey Walkes, Year 7, has been selected to be part of the 2013 Great Britain Trampoline High Performance Junior Squad. Corey is one of just two young trampoline gymnasts selected nationally for the 11/12 year old age group and is one of only twelve in total in the Under 18's junior squad - so this is a fantastic achievement. The High Performance Junior Squad focuses on producing outstanding European Junior and World Age Group results whilst the Senior Squad targets European, World and Olympic senior levels. Corey is currently training 12 hours a week at High Flyers Trampoline Club, based in Cheddar. He trains with International High Performance Head Coach Sue Bramble, who is also Personal Coach to Senior GB Squad member, Laura Gallagher. Corey will now be travelling regularly to Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Shropshire to attend training camps for the GB squads. His training will now be focused on the 2013 British Championships held at the NEC in July and trials in September for the Junior World Championships held in Bulgaria in November. ... [Read More]

BTEC Business studies teamwork day - May 2013

Year 10 BTEC Business students completed an activity day to develop team working and leadership skills. Over 70 students from BTEC Business participated in specially programmed activities and team building exercises. The students completed a range of activities, that challenged both physical and mental abilities. The day was aimed at developing the essential skills and personal attributes required to work in the business sector. The activities encouraged the use of teamwork and problem solving, as well as helping students to identify their own leadership qualities and use them in the most effective way. Mr Mann, BTEC teacher commented ‘The students demonstrated outstanding behavior throughout the day and although some found the tasks challenging, they are were still able to develop their communication, team work and leadership skills’. Pictured: One group completing a challenge, which involved removing ping pong balls from a bucket only using ropes. ... [Read More]

Writhlington Senior Boys pull out an amazing win in the Avon Schools Doubles - April 2013

On Sunday 21st April, six boys from Writhlington School entered the annual LTA Avon School Doubles Tournament held in Bristol. Siddhartha Lethbridge (yr 13) and Tom Hunt (yr 11) had an amazing run and won their round robin box matches easily, then came up against Beechen Cliff in the semi final, they were due to play the Gibbs twins, a renowned doubles team. Tom & Siddhartha were under pressure to start with going down 3-0, and then they managed to swing the advantage and momentum of the game and came out the winners 6-4. With Tom placing some unforgettable volleys and Siddhartha powering his serves at the opposition. In the final the Writhlington students faced Colstons School, who they had already played in their box and had won easily, but this time they did not get such an easy time. Winning the first set 6-4, they were cruising through the second when Harry Coulthard from Colstons pulled out some amazing serves and changed the set into Colston’s favour, winning in 6-3. The final set was then a championship tiebreak to 10. With the rest of the Writhlington boys watching, a tense tiebreak ensued and at 8-4 down, Tom ... [Read More]

Yoga club starts at Writhlington - April 2013

Writhlington students have been relaxing their bodies and minds by taking part in a new after school yoga class, which began this term. The club is for students of all ages and takes place in Fitness Studio 2 on a Wednesday, between 3.45 -4.45pm. Anyone wishing to take part is welcome to come along. The club is highly recommended for anyone with exams approaching, as yoga can help to alleviate stress and clear the mind. ... [Read More]

Playground to Podium day at Bath University - April 2013

On Thursday 22nd of April, 9 Writhlington school pupils attended the Playground to Podium Sports Day at Bath University. The students took part in a variety of different sports including karate, tennis, trampolining, athletics, boccia & multi-skills. Sarah O'Connell said, "karate was my favourite activity as I hadn't done it before and I might have to use some of the skills I've learnt one day!" All of the pupils involved were a credit to the school for the way they conducted themselves and for giving 100% throughout the day. ... [Read More]

General inspects CCF - April 2013

Writhlington School Combined Cadet Force was visited by General Sir Jack Deverell KCB OBE for the Biennial inspection where he observed all aspects of the Cadet force. The day was split between two locations. Some of the cadets were taken to Vobster quarry where they took part in activities such as kayaking, canoeing and Diving. The rest of the cadets remained at school to engage in First aid (where the cadets had to deal with a road traffic accident), Skill at arms, climbing and the Army Careers stand. ‘It was a very successful day and all of the cadets thoroughly enjoyed all the activities on offer’ ... [Read More]

Kit Aid 2013 - April 2013

After the great success of last year’s kit collection, Writhlington School will again be taking in part in LV SOS Kit Aid. Kit Aid is an organisation set up to send unused sports kit to disadvantaged children in the UK and overseas. Since 2001 the project has sent £3.5 million pounds of recycled kit to 20 emerging countries in Africa and Eastern Europe, benefitting over 135,000 children. Writhlington is asking students to bring in any unused or old sporting items, over the next four weeks, which could be re-used by other less fortunate children. Kit Aid accepts a diverse range of sporting goods whether it be clothing or old sports equipment. If you are interested in donating or would like further information please contact Mr Mann at Writhlington ... [Read More]