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]

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]

Sixth formers in maths competition at UWE - November 2012

Four sixth formers entered the regional final of the Senior Maths Team Challenge held at Frenchay Campus, UWE. It is the second time Writhlington students have entered this competition which is open to all schools in the Bristol and surrounding areas. The team held its own and improved on last year’s result, finishing amongst the top state schools. Several local schools were in a close battle until the end with Writhlington prevailing against Norton Hill and Chew Valley Schools. The students really enjoyed the evening, especially the challenge and the opportunity to show their extended knowledge outside of the A Level syllabus. ... [Read More]

“A night with the stars” plays to a sell-out audience - October 2012

Writhlington students showcased their talents both in performance and organisation when they staged ‘A night with the stars’ at Writhlington’s Prospect Theatre. This was the first concert at the school to be organised entirely by Sixth Form students. The organising team, led by Maisie Hillier in Year 13, was George Beechener, Jenn Morgan, Lucy Tout, Charlotte-May Messer and Emily Seal. The one-night-only show sold out the 400-seat Prospect Theatre, leaving standing room only. Ticket holders were treated to a spectacular array of musical talent including solo musicians, bands, choir and dancers. The evening’s entertainment followed a creative and carefully constructed programme, with imaginative stage design and technical lighting organised by students from the Stage Crew. £1,800 raised from the show will be put towards the Music Department’s 2013 trip to Lake Garda, Italy. The tour gives students the opportunity to perform in some of the most stunning concert venues, as well as giving them the chance to visit cultural cities, including Verona and Venice. The evening was a great success and commendations should be made to all acts and student committee members, as they all showed remarkable commitment and dedication to learn the music and organise the ... [Read More]

Entrepreneurial ex-students wash away recession blues - September 2012

Two ex Writhlington students are fighting youth unemployment in a truly entrepreneurial way. The pair decided that university was not for them, particularly as they were concerned about student debt, so they decided to start their own business in the local area. School friends, Jack Nix and Ashley Swain set up South West Bin Cleaning earlier this year and have already started to turn a profit. The firm cleans, disinfects and deodorises residential and commercial wheelie bins – eliminating bacteria, odours and vermin. It covers an area around Bath stretching to Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Frome, Glastonbury and Wells. The business is doing exceptionally well and the two proprietors have been nominated for the Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Bath Business Awards, held later this month. The enterprise is being supported by the Bath office of accountants Bishop Fleming. Its director of business service Debbie Boulton said: “This is a perfect example of how young entrepreneurs can create and build a business. Mike Burr, Director of Post 16 said “During their time at Writhlington, Jack and Ashley developed exactly the right sort of problem solving ability, people skills and most importantly the confidence to take on this type ... [Read More]

Innovative Performing Arts Academy opens at Writhlington - September 2012

Writhlington Performing Arts Academy, run in partnership with Bath Dance College (BDC), was yesterday officially opened by the Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset council, Councillor Rob Appleyard. The programme is the first of its type in the South West and is possibly the first to be offered by a state-funded secondary school. The course is unique in that students will attend Writhlington School every morning choosing from a wide range of subjects to study at A level or BTEC before moving across campus every afternoon to Writhlington’s new dance studios where BDC will provide an additional five hours of classes in dance, singing and drama. All classes at BDC will be taught by ex and current performing industry professionals with guest teachers travelling from as far as the USA. Heading the course is Royal Ballet trained George Hill, Head of Dance at BDC. Commenting on the opening George said ‘Everyone has worked incredibly hard to get this course up and running. There has been a great response to the program and students are travelling from all over Somerset to attend the course. We have some exceptionally talented students and we are all looking forward to ... [Read More]

BEST EVER POST 16 EXAM RESULTS - August 2012

For the fourth year running, students from Writhlington School are celebrating their school’s best ever results at Post 16. A remarkable 47% of all grades achieved were at grade A* and A, whilst well over half of all grades awarded were at A*, A, and B. Twenty five students achieved 3 or more A/A* grades, with some outstanding results including the following students: James Forsey (Maths A*, Further Maths A, Physics A) has successfully obtained a place to study Civil Engineering at UCL; Sam Hopkins (ICT A*, Maths A, Further Maths A, Physics B) will be studying Computing at York University; Jake Edgell (Further Maths A*, Physics A*, Maths A*, Chemistry A), will be studying Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham University; Ben Pearson (ICT A*, English A, Geography A and Business Studies A) is going to Exeter University to study Geography. Students have also successfully obtained places at other prestigious universities including LSE, Durham, Bath, Manchester, Warwick, Sheffield, Leeds and Cardiff. In addition to achieving outstanding A Level results, Tom Benney received an A* for his Extended Project and will go on to take part in the Deloitte Scholar Scheme where he will travel and gain ... [Read More]

Young minds demonstrate a strong political attitude - July 2012

Small groups of students from 8 different local schools and youth groups took part in a political challenge based at Writhlington School last week. The competition was organised by a group of Post 16 Writhlington students studying Government and Politics and its purpose was to recognise young talent and develop political skills focused around the theme of anti-bullying. Eight schools took part; including Writhlington, Chew Valley, Culverhay, Norton Hill, St Gregorys, Haysfield, Ralph Allen and Radstock Youth Group, all took part in the event. Each group provided unique ideas on how to combat bullying and presented their pitch in the Prospect Theatre to the other teams. Violence, racism and Internet bullying, were common themes explored by the competitors. These themes provided the basis for the group’s prevention ideas which included ‘safe zones’, extra curricular activities to keep school children occupied and inspirational mottos such as ‘see it-challenge it-report it’. With a majority vote, Writhlington School managed to win the overall competition and was therefore able to gain stronger backing in making their ideas an achievable goal within Youth Parliament. ‘It was great to see so many young people interested in the Youth Parliament. There were some extremely well thought out solutions and ... [Read More]