Dear Parents/Carers,
The last full week of the Autumn term continues apace. Year 11s are making headway with their practice examinations. The importance of these exams cannot be underestimated, as they not only provide students, staff and parents with information regarding the progress being made, they also provide colleges and sixth forms with indicative data regarding the most suitable post 16 pathways for each student – so Year 11s, keep working hard!
Last Thursday (6th December 2018) two very fortunate students – Jude Rainsborough and Lucy Francis attended the McLaren Work Inspiration Day. This day has been designed by McLaren to build the self-confidence, self-esteem and experience of students as well as helping them fulfil their potential and support their decisions around next steps after leaving school. Practical tasks included students pitching their own marketing campaign to put their communication skills to the test as well as learning about the importance of social confidence in a formal business dining environment. Each participant was also given the chance to demonstrate and hone their team working skills when they underwent their own grand prix pit stop challenge, a real highlight of the day! During the event students took on the role of recruiting managers to better understand what potential employers look for from applicants and how to maximise the effectiveness of CVs and covering letters. They also explored the importance of body language in interview and business scenarios. To end this amazing day, students had the opportunity to talk with human resources experts who were on-hand to enable students to better understand what potential employers look for from applicants and how to maximise the effectiveness of their CVs.
Year 10 student Charlotte Joos performed a violin solo ‘Walking in the Air’ at a charity Carol Service at St Peter's Church, Old Woking on Saturday 8th December. Gillian Light, Secretary of the Mid Surrey Branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind said ‘Charlotte played beautifully and was a credit to the school. The event was attended by around 170 members of the public who were very appreciative of her performance’.
Congratulations to the following students for success in Music examinations:
Madeleine McClements, Year 11, Grade 7 Piano with Distinction
Charlotte Hamilton, Year 10, Grade 5 Theory of Music with Merit.
On 10th December two teams of Geographers from Years 8,9 and 10 took part in the Geographical Association Worldwise Quiz at Gordon’s school. Roisin Fellowes, Emily Armfield and Hugo Komatsu came 3rd out of 17 teams, with Chris Baker, Holly Tougher and Daniella Moya coming in at 10th with highly commended. Much preparation over the preceding weeks, and a sharpening up of key skills, meant that the students were well placed to take on the challenge before them. The students represented the school fantastically well and our top placed team managed to beat teams from Gordon’s, All Hallows and SJB amongst many more! The Geography department were exceptionally proud of all our students. A special mention must go to the Geography department for winning the staff version of the quiz!
Throughout the week our school restaurant team have provided a lunchtime “Christmas Market” for students. On sale have been jacket potatoes, hot dogs, hot fruit punch and festive cakes. The market has proved very popular with the school community and helped get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Last night, the school hall was packed with friends and family, in support of over 90 musical students, performing at the annual Christmas Concert. The Mayor of Woking plus staff and governors, were also in attendance for a wonderfully festive programme of music. The five piece pop band ‘No December’ opened proceedings with a lively set, which concluded with their rousing version of Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, and drummer Sam Fox, now studying at Woking College, had to rush straight off to perform in the college’s production of Sister Act. Wrapping up the 1st half, it was lovely to welcome back alumna, Emma Atkins who studied at Woking High between 2009–2013. A recent graduate in Music at Southampton University, Emma has discovered a talent for song writing, and accompanied by Fiona Godden on the piano, she sang two songs from her EP, ‘Whole’.
Continuing the concert, a variety of ensembles, which included the 40 piece Windband, 35 strong School Choir, Guitars and Strings entertained the audience with highlights from ‘Frozen, the Ukrainian Bell Carol, The 12 Days of Christmas and Prokofiev’s Troika, which refers to the traditional Russian three-horse sled and was brought to life with the accompaniment of sleigh bells. Members of the Music Performance Committee had organised an amazing grand raffle with 20 Christmas hampers on display and they also provided refreshments during the interval. Given the busy period of examinations for both Year 10 and 11 students, collectively, all students performed to an exceptionally high standard and rehearsals have clearly paid off. A big thank you to all staff who participated and supported the students in this concert, and we look forward to the Combined Schools Carol Service at St Mary’s Church, Horsell on Monday.
Finally, starting in January 2019, Alive ‘N’ Kicking–Surrey are running a FREE Alive ‘N’ Kicking healthy lifestyle programme at The Maybury Centre on Saturdays – families can self-refer and just need to follow the details on the leaflet attached to book a free place. This programme is suitable for any student from aged 11-19 years old who struggles with their weight and being active.
Best wishes,
Jane Abbott
Headteacher
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Mrs A Phipps
Communications Manager T: 01483 888447 W: wokinghigh.surrey.sch.uk |
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