Press

WOODCOTE
WWW.WOODCOTEHIGH.COM
Press
Dramatic
Transition
Student
Representative Voice
Merry Christmas to all!

In This Issue...
Headteacher’s Welcome
Dates for your Diary
Dramatic Transition
Woodcote’s Senior Six
We Will Remember Them
School Fund
Stonewall
Children in Need
Jack Petchey
Christmas Card
Secret Garden
Stack ‘em Up
Book Fair
Sporting Update
Grosvenor Hall
Christmas Colouring
A Note from the Governors
Inspirational Women
Winning T-Shirts
ISSUE 08 DECEMBER 2015 WOODCOTE PRESS

HEADTEACHER’S
welcome
WE’VE NEVER BEEN SO POPULAR!
October 31st was the deadline for applications for
Year 7 in September 2016. Following our very busy
open events we expected to see an increase in the
number of applications to Woodcote High School.
This month we received the figures from the Pan
London Admissions scheme and we were truly
astonished.
At Woodcote High School, applications for Year 7
places in 2016 has risen by 187 since last year and
this represents a 38% increase since 2014. 1136
applications for 216 places represented more than a
fivefold oversubscription.
The school has never been so popular and the
reasons the parents have put in their application
form shows just how our school is valued by
prospective students and parents and is evidence of
our status as the premier school of choice in the local
area.
In the box on the right you can see just a few of the
reasons why more and more parents want to send
their children to Woodcote High School and why
more and more students want to study here. Many
comments are not just testament to school leaders
and teachers but demonstrate just how good our
present students are at being excellent
ambassadors for Woodcote High School.
Underlying this success, of course, is a ticking time
bomb of a problem. There is a perfect storm coming
our way in the next few years.
1. The bulge in the birth-rate is making its way to
secondary schools.
2. Our three main feeder primaries are all considering
expanding their rolls.
3. Building in the local area, including the new Cane
Hill Park development will put pressure on school
places.
We want to be the local school of choice for students
in our community and we don’t want to be turning
away youngsters from our local primary schools.
We are currently talking to the Local Education Authority
about this and exploring some options. It is
early days yet, but we’ll keep you updated!
In the meantime if you haven’t paid your school fund
contribution for this year, there is still time to do
this. We are making it easier for you, so please see the
article elsewhere in this edition.
Have a very Happy Christmas and let’s all
hope we have a successful 2016.
COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM PROSPECTIVE PARENTS
WHEN APPLYING FOR WOODCOTE HIGH SCHOOL
• We visited during the open evenings and the children seemed engaged the facilities were good. I am
confident my daughter will be quickly integrated in the school and developed well.
• Woodcote High School is my first choice because they are a continually improving school with results
way above the national average, and are in the top 10% of schools in England for student progress. My
son and I think the Students feel safe and happy at Woodcote High School.
• Reading the Ofsted report my daughter would love to attend this school. She is a hard worker and strives
to achieve.
• The Ofsted report and school prospectus is very encouraging. The school concentrates on the children’s
education and children attending the school have done very well. We are looking for this type of school
where our daughter is guaranteed to progress in her education.
• Woodcote High has great reviews and the Ofsted reports are fantastic. I want my child to have the best
prospects of a good education and the best possible start in life, and i feel that Woodcote high can provide
this for my daughter. Also the location of the school is ideal.
• When we visited the school, we were impressed with school setting and the high achievements of the
students. Most importantly, our daughter liked this school and could see herself here for an important
part of her life - she feels she would flourish here.
• We have chosen this because of ethos and strong values which exemplified our core beliefs; Furthermore
it has fantastic sporting facilities and a big emphasis is placed on ICT which my child excels.
• We had a lovely experience on the open evening was really impressed with the school and the friendliness
of the children we met. I know my son would be very happy there.
• We completely agree with the values of your school in the support of our child. I believe that the pastoral
support system in place would be very beneficial to my child and the clarity and security of the students
social and psychological welfare would help nurture his education and allow him to excel and develop in
his studies.
• Very good school which is local to home. Good reviews from Ofsted and I know a few people that had
children that went there in the past and they did very well. Therefore would love for my son to go to this
school.
• Thus far my son has received an education of high standards at Woodcote High School. I believe my
daughter will be given the same opportunity.
• This school will continue the great education my daughter has been receiving, and continue to push her
abilities into adulthood for a bright future.
• This school provides an outstanding education.
• This school is a good school because my 18 year old daughter went to this school and it made her what
she is today.
• This is one of the best rated school in Croydon and has an outstanding achievement records.
• This is an exceptional secondary school in the area that both my son and I really want as first choice for
his next important stage in life. It is a highly academic school, culturally and socially diverse and will
offer him a big stepping stone. It feels the right school for him and it also felt like a safe environment as
we explored the building and grounds and met some of the pupils (who were extremely inspiring.
• My daughter is a bright young child. She deserves to attend one of the best schools in Croydon.
• We attended an Open Evening recently which beautifully showcased Woodcote's strengths academically,
socially and creatively. During the evening the current students were friendly and inspiring encouraging
her to participate in activities, making her feel very welcome.
• Just like every parent I am very passionate about my child's education and want to offer him the best possible.
I whole heartedly believe that this school is the place that provide him such skills and give him the
chance of life that I cannot offer him.

DATES FOR YOUR
Diary
4th January
12th January
14th January
21st January
26th January
2nd February
4th February
10th February
12th February
15th February
16th February
17th February
18th February
19th February
22nd February
23rd February
Students Start 8.25am
Y10 Theatre Trip
Sixth Form Interviews
Y10 Parents’ Evening
Parents’ Think Tank
Y9 Take your Child to Work
Y11 Parents’ Evening
Y9 Options Talk
INSET DAY
Half Term
Half Term
Half Term
Half Term
Half Term
INSET DAY
Students Start 8.25am

Dramatic
Primary
School
Transition
Project
Well done to 10C and 10D GCSE Drama students,
for carrying out a successful transition project with
Woodcote Primary School.
The year 10 students organised a workshop to deliver
to year six students based on their ‘hopes and fears’ of
transitioning to secondary school. The year 10
students are now currently in the process of devising
a performance based on the primary school children’s
ideas, which the Year 6 students will then come to
watch as an audience at Woodcote High School.
Woodcote Primary School complimented the year
ten students on their leadership skills,
communication and professionalism as performers.
Significantly the project supported the transition
process for young individuals to make the next step in
their education. The collaboration between the
primary and secondary schools was a rewarding
experience for both students and staff involved.
I would like to thank Miss Head for her help and
support to make this project such a success and well
done, once again, to our GCSE Drama
students!
Miss Beagle – Head of Drama
USE YOUR BRAIN BULLYING WONT GAIN
Bullies aren’t cool, they are just cruel,
We don’t want them in our school.
Don’t pick on me because I’m black or white,
Being racist just isn’t right.
I know that they are jealous of me,
I wish they’d just leave me be.
But today I will tell someone,
And their cruel plan will be undone.
So come on Woodcote let’s all cheer,
Bullying is not welcome here!
Treat others with respect –that’s what we expect!
Words you can’t rewind so remember to be kind!
It’s only fair to treat others with care!
When you are rude you put others in a mad mood.
Bullies are not accepted here, bullies are the ones who should have Fear!
NICENESS IS PRICELESS
Poster by Hope Y7 and Poem by Scott Y7
for our Anti-Bullying Campaign

We Will
Remember
Them
2015 Act of Remembrance
The 11th of November saw an
impeccably observed 2 minutes silence
across the whole school site for the sixth
year running. What makes this an even
greater credit to our school community is
that it is observed during break time.
Whistles were blown across the whole site
and a special ceremony of Remembrance
was held outside the main school
reception grounds. ‘For the Fallen’ was
read, three wreaths were laid and
finally former student Luke Wharton
played beautifully the Last Post, an
incredibly difficult piece but note perfect.
Some students attended in their services
uniforms representing, the Air, Army, Sea
and Police Cadets and also with scouts and
guides.
There were also special ceramic poppies
made by the art department to remember
the local war dead of WW1. The ceremony
was attended by staff, students, Governors
and the Local Royal British Legion; a
special video can be watched via a link on
the school Facebook page.
At lunchtime a cake sale was also held
to raise more funds for the Royal British
Legion and the ‘Poppy Team’ raised in total
and amazing £1470. The students are so
good and familiar with this routine, it was
possible to replicate it the week after in
remembrance of the tragic events that had
occurred in Paris. They really are a credit
to themselves.

Woodcote’s
Senior Six
Woodcote High School has a thriving Ambassador set up, known as The Student
Representative Voice (SRV) which is led by 6 main student officials. They are the
Head Girl (Amaney), Head Boy (Oliver), Deputy Head Girl (Leyla), Deputy Head
Boy (Tai) and two Assistant Head Girls (Sophie and Hannah) who meet every
week. There are also five Academic Ambassadors from year 13 who assist with
tutoring and run advice sessions and seven Senior Ambassadors from year 12 who
run projects and help with tasks and activities. These are supported by 36
Ambassadors from year 11, which is supplemented by volunteers from year 10
every February to allow the year 11 students to concentrate, without distractions,
on their GCSE exams.
The whole collective perform duties at break and lunch, supplementing staff
already in each set position and help run events, such as open and parent
evenings, PTA run events and assist with fundraising for charity.
The ”Senior six” also co-ordinate a group each consisting of elected
representatives from each form from years 7 – 9. This ensures that there is a
mechanism in place to ensure that every student at the school has a way of
making their opinion heard and sharing good ideas and practices. They also meet
on a regular basis and put forward suggestions and concerns.
The whole scheme is supervised by Mr Kellingley.
http://www.woodcote.croydon.sch.uk/269/school-fund- donations

On Wednesday 10th December we had our annual
Stonewall role model visit. This year we were lucky
to have James Ingham, a showbiz editor for the
Daily Star on Sunday, you may have seen him
recently on Xtra Factor.
Check out our twitter page to see what he said about
us.
He had a fantastic and captive story to tell our
year 10 and Sixth Form students. James was
extremely open in sharing his experiences whether
happy or not. He engaged the students well with
many questions posed to them and their opinions
about Gay being nature or nurture. James spoke
frankly to our Year 10 and sixth form students
about his experiences of being gay and ‘coming out’,
he spoke abuot how is mum accidentally found out
and asked him not to tell anyone, she was afraid for
him and how he would be treated for choosing this
lifestyle. He was constantly referring all the time to
the LGBTQ acronym and showing himself to be an
excellent role model for following his dreams.
Our students were excellent listeners and asked
some very good questions at the end of the
presentation. We hope he has made a difference to
our students. It must be hard to come in and tell
your story and so we are extrememly grateful to
James Ingham.

If your son or daughter has lost
their winter coat, please send them
to the General Office; three full
bags have been handed in over the
past few weeks.
Any coats that are not
collected soon will be donated
to a homeless charity.
Jack
Petchey
Awards
Ceremony
Last years’ Jack Petchey
winners were Tai, Kai, Thomas,
Eartha, Richard, Ellie, Amber, Daragh and Poppy who
were invited to the Jack Petchey Awards Ceremony at
Fairfield Halls in November to receive their gold
medallions in the presence of the Mayor of Croydon.
Also, congratulations to Mr Kellingley for setting up an
amazing Ambassador scheme, which enables
students to take on leadership roles. “He is very
approachable and inspires us to work hard. He is
always willing to help, even if it means going out of his
way”. Leyla Year 12
Mrs Nicholls
Jack Petchey Co-ordinator
Children in Need
of More Pudsey Ears!
After twenty minutes on the morning of 13th
November, all the Pudsey fluffy ears had sold out!
More were bought and sold along with pin badges,
wrist bands and soft toys. Together with the staff
sweepstake, Woodcote raised £95.00 for
Children in Need.
Mrs Nicholls
Woodcote also received a small grant of £500 from Jack
Petchey for new books for the Learning Media Centre
Jack Petchey CBE is now in his 90’s and he is still giving
his money away to schools and clubs through the Jack
Petchey Achievement Award Scheme. Nine students
per year are nominated for worthwhile achievements.
The following 3 students were winners, each
receiving £200 to spend on something of their choice for
the school.
Victoria Y10 – for consistently giving up her time to help
coach the Year 7 netball. Victoria has become an
invaluable coach and pupils are encouraged by her.
Ben Y11 – for significant improvement in attendance
this year and starting Year 11 with a positive attitude.
Jessica Y11 – for going above and beyond in and out
of PE lessons and helping with events at local schools.
Jessica has also tutored others giving up her time after
school.

The WHS Official 2015
Christmas Card.
This year’s school Christmas card was designed by
Year 12 student Sophie Ryan. Sophie is studying BTEC
Level 3 Art and designed the card as part of the
graphics unit of the course. The eye-catching design
readily fulfilled the brief for a festive card that could
be both mass-printed and sent out electronically.
Over 150 cards were printed and sent out to people
who have helped and supported the school in the last
year. There was an added bonus for Sophie in that the
artwork for the card can form part of the portfolio of
work that will be assessed for her exam.

Woodcote’s
Stack ‘Em
Competition
The winning
house will be
We are planning to set up an Environmental Area to make students
aware and appreciate their environment in and out of school.
Woodcote have recently been lucky in securing new fencing around the
designated area and received £100 worth of vouchers from Woodcote
Nurseries, from the tokens that everyone so kindly collected. All we have
to do now is improve the area, pictured, into a beautiful, colourful, garden
to attract a variety of bees and butterflies by planting seeds for a new
wildflower meadow and plants from Woodcote Nurseries.
With the help of some keen students, we are planning to start work in
March and finish the Woodcote garden in July 2016, so watch this
space!
announced
after
Christmas
Any help or donations will be very greatly
received.
Miss Miller, Science Department

Woodcote
had a
G.R.E.A.T
book fair
this year.
Goal – our goal was to sell £700.00 worth of books and
Woodcote exceeded it with a final figure of £715.00,
which means over £300.00 worth of free books from
Scholastic Books.
Recruitment – students were recruited to do certain jobs
and run the book fair like a business.
Excitement – not only were there new, popular, brightly
coloured books there were also posters and fun stationery
to buy, which created a buzz during break times.
Advertising – students put up posters and bunting and
went round to classrooms during form time
encouraging everyone to enter the competitions and
come to the LMC and buy new books.
Tools – Scholastic books provided plenty of resources to
make the event easier to run.
SPORTING
Update
Year 8 netball girls have won all of their matches. Year 8A team have won 4 out of 4 and
the B team have won 3 out of 3. Some of the wins were exceptional.
At training I have 3 whole teams on a regular basis and am really proud of their effort
and commitment.
CONGRATULATIONS!
To the Girls U15 Handball Team for winning the Croydon Handball Championships. The
girls will now go on to represent the Borough of Croydon in the Handball School Games
qualifiers on Thursday 21st January 2016!
Cristiana, Tori, Adriana, Abi, Holly, Lauraya, Kasia, Sophie, Ariana and Alannah.
CONGRATULATIONS!
To the KS3/4 Girls for winning the Croydon Badminton Competition. The girls will now
go on to represent the Borough of Croydon in the Badminton School Games qualifiers on
Friday 5th January 2016!
KS3 - Kiera, Kasia, Leah, Imogen, and Saffron.
KS4 - Holly, Megan, Jasmin, Georgia, Alannah, Maddie, Sophie and Olivia.
Year 11 trip to Grosvenor Hall
On 3rd November members of staff took 20 students to an English and Maths study week end with some
adventure activities thrown in as a reward for working hard. They worked extremely hard at their English and
Maths lessons each morning and then took part in some challenging and fun team building activities as well
as a 3G swing and the “Leap of Faith”. This was an excellent trip.
A big thank you to all the LMC monitors who helped to
make this book fair a success.
The following students were winners of the competitions
and received a £5 voucher each:
Book mark
Colour in poster
Book front cover
Why reading is important?
Eleanor
Eleanor
Tianna
Ayla and Tianna
Mrs Nicholls

Well Done to Kaitlyn 7z who won our
Christmas colouring competition.
You can find Kaitlyn’s design on the front
page. Lots of the designs can be seen on the
page to the left, however most are
decorating the LMC for Christmas.
Thank you to everyone who took part,
the LMC looks fantastic.

An
Under-representation
of Women in
STEM
Year 11 and 13 Girls’ Inspiration Talk
At Woodcote High School we are constantly looking
at ways to inspire and challenge our students to think
about their futures and to look at different career
paths. One of these was to encourage girls to consider
a future career in sectors where there is an
under-representation of women such as in Science,
Technology, Engineering and Maths (the so-called
STEM areas) and in business/entrepreneurial
leadership.
‘Overcome the stereotypes
that are forced on women
every day’
Therefore, on 19th November we arranged for a talk
by Nicolina Andall, the Chair of Croydon
Chamber of Commerce, and Yuliana Topazly, a
Business Advisor and Mentor from My Outspace
– a business support centre based in East Croydon
which is tailored to the needs of female
entrepreneurs.
Both speakers were inspirational, delivering their
messages with passion, clarity and humour. The
girls were thoroughly engaged (if the cheers and
whoops were anything to go by!) and it has
hopefully made them think again about the many
careers open to them and how they can absolutely
compete against the boys in these male-dominated
sectors.
A quote from two of the Year 13 Girls present: ‘The
speakers gave us tips on becoming the best we can
be. These included having a plan and a back-up
plan, taking tips from the boys about having
confidence in ourselves and having a life besides
work. They were particularly focused on inspiring
us girls into STEM, male dominated industries and
to reach our potential and overcome the stereotypes
that are forced on women every day. The evening
was a success and we hope there will be many more
in the future!’
If you wish to find out more about the work of My
Outspace, please go to www.myoutspace.co.uk
Mr Burdett
Assistant Headteacher
Sophie – year 9 won equal 1st place for
Woodcote High School – her design will be
used on all the t-shirts for this year’s series
of events and will include her name on the
arm to acknowledge that it was her design.
Sophie and Jamsine BK from St James the
Great will also receive a London Youth
Games t-shirt for themselves as well as a
variety of art equipment and a certificate.
Charlie won 2nd place and will receive art
supplies and a certificate for his design. Both
are worthy winners. Well done!

Created and Designed by Woodcote High School
Meadow Rise, Coulsdon, Surrey, CR5 2EH
020 8668 6464
www.woodcotehigh.com
Woodcote High School is an exempt charity and a company limited by guarantee, registered
in England with Company Number 08053276 and has a registered office at
Woodcote High School, Meadow Rise, Coulsdon, CR5 2EH