Warbler July 2018

Wilnecote Warbler
Issue 9, July 2018
Tinkers Green Rd
Wilnecote
Tamworth
Staffs
01827 831300
wilnecoteschool
thewilnecoteschool

Welcome to the final edition of the Warbler for this academic year. Yet
another 11 months have flown past in which our students have grown
both socially and academically and have taken part in a wide range of
activities as part of their school life at The Wilnecote School. The Warbler
gives a flavour of some of the activities that have taken place in the last
term and we hope you enjoy reading and seeing what students have
been up to as they make us all extremely proud.
Mental Health and The Wellbeing Crew
Mr Adams
Deputy Headteacher
As a school we continue to develop our provision to support students in a range of situations throughout
the school day and beyond. There is always someone in school for a student to talk to and the responses
we receive from students show that they greatly appreciate the support they receive, if and when
required. We also work with a range of outside organisations to support our students and a new
organisation who have come in this term are called The Wellbeing Crew. They have worked with groups of
Year 8 and 9 students covering a range of techniques students can use to aid relaxation and concentration,
build self-esteem, cope with stress and anxiety and ultimately not only help them successfully get through
their time in school but also beyond this time and well into their future. We will continue to work with them
next year to provide support to more students as we feel they need it. Some of the positive comments
students made can be seen in the display they created and also examples of their feedback about the
programme:
•I’m no longer scared of some situations and I’ve learned ways to calm my anxiety and ways to help
if I’m going to have a panic attack or feel low.
•That there is a positive behind every negative.
•I have learned what my triggers are and how to calm down when I get stressed or angry.
•I really enjoyed it and it helped me to relax and feel happy and made me feel grateful for every
thing I have.
•I think the sessions have helped me become more open with my problems and have also helped
me become more confident in myself.
•I enjoyed creating a mindfulness jar and learning about aromatherapy as the oils we used help me
stay calm in different situations.
School Website development to support our young people and
their families
As you may be aware, the school website continues to evolve. We have placed links to a range of websites
that can be used to support students through a variety of issues they may face as young people finding
their way in the world. We encourage students to access them in order to seek support or information
and make more informed choices. We would encourage parents and carers to access them also as most
websites have specific areas for parents and carers. You can find the links if you go onto our website and
select the ‘Student’ Menu. If you then click on ‘Wellbeing’ or ‘Keeping Safe’, there is a wealth of guidance
you can access that may well be useful when looking to support your son or daughter.
Celebration Events
During the last week of term, we will be holding ‘Celebration Cinema Afternoons’ for students who have
received good or outstanding marks for behaviour and effort from all of their teachers, in recognition of
the hard work and perseverance they have demonstrated this term. We will also be holding a ‘Celebration
Breakfast’ for all students who have achieved 97% or higher attendance this year and also for students who
have been part of the Student Voice at school, to showour appreciation of their achievements. Well done
to all of the students who will be taking part in these events - we are proud of you.

Student Leadership Opportunities
By the end of this term, The Wilnecote School will have its first Head Girl, Head Boy and Deputies who will
form The Junior Leadership Team. They will meet weekly with senior staff to discuss what is happening in
school and represent the voice of students. This woll help us to continue to move forward and to meet
the concerns of the students we look after. They will also represent us at different events and will have
been selected after a rigorous process. As soon as we have appointed them, we will let you know who has
achieved these positions but I want to also thank all students who put themselves forward and took part
in the process as it says an awful lot about wanting to give something back to the school community and
go that bit further for a school they care so much about. We are proud of you and you should be proud of
yourself.
Next term will also see a number of Year 11 students taking on the role of being a ‘Prefect’. They will act as
role-models to the younger students and help us keep them safe in a variety of ways and again, all students
who achieve this position should be very proud of the opportunity to work with and support others o make
the school a better place.
We are committed to continuing to grow opportunities to develop student leadership over the next academic
year and letting you know how this impacts on making the school a better place.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer with family and loved ones,
Simon Adams
Deputy Headteacher
Art Exhibition 2018
Once again the annual Art exhibition was a resounding success. It was wonderful to see so many students,
parents and friends celebrating the amazing talent we have at The Wilnecote School. The GCSE work looked
amazing and clearly showed off the creativity and skill of our students. They all have a bright, creative future
ahead of them and we wish them all the best in their future education. For the first time, KS3 work was
also exhibited, giving the younger students a chance to show off. All the KS3 work was warmly received
and many of our future students loved looking at the art they will be doing once they are at The Wilnecote
School. Art work from the adult evening class was also represented and gave the evening a real community
feel. Everyone enjoyed looking at Wilnecote community’s creativity and it was amazing to see work exhibited
from an 11 year old through to an 80 year old. I would like to thank the art department for all their hard work
in curating the display, Will for organising the lighting, Midi Campion for the food and the caretakers for
hauling all the display boards and cases.
Here are a few of the comments written in our visitors’ book-
“Beautiful artwork, so many different pieces….it’s lovely to celebrate the hours of hard
work the students have put into them. Thank you”
“So impressed, really enjoyable evening. Thank you.”
“Amazing Art work from all years represented. The standard is so high, Wilnecote teachers
have an ability to get the best from their students.”
“Fantastic display of all different styles of art. Very impressive.”
We will be holding the exhibition next year, so if you would to join us in viewing and celebrating our creative
artists please look out for the event on next year’s calendar.

Music News
As another school year draws to a close the students in Years 7 and 8 are busy rehearsing “Live Lounge”
performances for their end of year class concerts. Live Lounge is a performance project where pupils
select either a song or piece of music of their choice – rehearse and evaluate their work before performing
in front of their classmates. We have solo instrumental pieces being worked on as well as songs by popular
artists, African drumming and some groups have even composed their own music, creating everything from
weird alien landscape themes to writing a modern-day Rap!
‘The standard of work and self-discipline being shown by pupils during the project has been phenomenal’
said Mr Hyden ‘Pupils have worked hard on improving their performance skills as well as evaluating other
group performances. Confidence has grown and I’m sure the end of term concerts will be fun and most of all
enjoyable’.
The music department continues to try and give as many pupils the opportunity to see and hear live music
being performedas possible. To round off this school year a group of current GCSE music students as well as
some taking the subject next year will be visiting and taking part in the Staffordshire Schools ‘Last Night of the
Proms’ concert where pupils will hear a live orchestra as well as various soloists and choirs.
In addition to this some pupils from KS3 will be enjoying a Rock Concert performed by a group of visiting
musicians. Hopefully they will perform their own version of the Alice Cooper classic ‘School’s Out for Summer’.
Finally, this year has seen 9for the first time in many years0 the opportunity for students to learn a whole range
of instruments, thanks to our involvement with Entrust Music Services. Lessons on keyboard, percussion,
string as well as vocal have all taken place, either individually or in small groups.
The service of instrument tuition will again be available again next year to ALL students.
If you would like further information on instrument tuition please contact Mr Hyden via email – office@
wilnecotehighschool.org or download the information pack via the letters section on the school website –
www.thewilnecoteschool.com
Wilnecote on Tour
Just before we broke up for May half term, Key Stage 3
students from The Wilnecote School went on a music
tour of local primary schools.
The tour was designed to give students from The
Wilnecote School the opportunity to share their talents
with other members of the local community and in many
cases a lovely opportunity for them to re-visit their old
schools. It was also a fantastic way of showing primary
school students what we are all about at The Wilnecote
School, Ensuring Excellence and nurturing individual
talent.
The tour took place over three days, during which we
visited six local primary schools, performing a one
hour set that consisted of vocalists and musicians. The
students who took part found it hard work but a really
enjoyable and rewarding experience.
We have had some fantastic feedback from students
and staff at the primary schools who enjoyed having the
opportunity to see the talent that our students have. This
is the first time we have ever organised an event like this
but I am sure that it won’t be the last, as it was a brilliant
experience for all those involved, so keep an eye out for
Wilnecote on Tour again soon.

Careers News
As part of The Wilnecote School’s commitment to supporting
students with life after school a group of Year 10 students
recently visited St Giles Hospice in Lichfield to attend a
conference about careers in the Care and Medical professions.
Students experienced talks on a variety of topics, including the
compassionate support that is available to patient’s and their
family and relatives, talks on bereavement and strategies for
supporting people, as well as the more commercial elements
associated with the hospice such as fund-raising and working
with donors and businesses.
Following the talks students then took part in a variety of
activities, learning how to make a basic medical assessment
of an individual, looking at a vital signs diagnosis, undertaking
‘dementia friendly’ training and looking at the role of an
occupational therapist.
All the students were hugely impressed by the consideration,
care, support and understanding shown by the professionals
who work at St Giles.
They all enjoyed the experience and were fine ambassadors
ofour school throughout the event.
Work Experience Week 9 – 13th July
A
record number of Year 10 students have engaged with the
schools’ Work Experience programme this year.
There is so much to be gained from participating in work experience
that prepares students for later life, whether it is securing a part-time
or weekend job or moving on from education to a full-time career or
job.
Students learn how to approach potential company bosses and
employers and present themselves positively, explaining their skills
and abilities in the hope that they might be offered a position.
During the last two years, the numbers of students taking up Work
Experience opportunities has steadily increased with a total of 60
placements last year. This year, however, we have had a record
number of 96 students participating.
A range of companies have offered places and some prestigious
opportunities have been taken up by students. An opportunity to
experience engineering activities at Aston Martin, for example,
working in retail with the John Lewis partnership or digital marketing
and technologies with Hedlam group. Students have also gained
positions this year in the NHS, at veterinary surgeries treating animals
and pets and garage service technicians with Trust Ford and assistants
at the local Wilnecote Vauxhall dealership.
It has been unanimously agreed that students benefit greatly from
undertaking a Work Experience placement and as a school, we try to
encourage the students to plan ahead in preparation for their futures.
The challenge for next year is to et more students engaging with the
work experience programme next year.

Celebrating Tamworth’s Warrior Queen
One of the first events I was invited to in my role of Headteacher of The Wilnecote School when I arrived in
January was to a civic service in commemoration of an Anglo-Saxon princess of whom I had never heard.
I accepted the invitation knowing little of the women whose life would be celebrated but wanting The Wilnecote
School to be very much part of Tamworth life and society. My lack of knowledge now astounds me.
How could I not have heard about such a formidable leader with the enviable title of Queen of the Mercians?
It shames me that I knew so little of her but also of Tamworth’s impressive history. This article is the beginning
of my atonement to both Queen Aethelflaed and Tamworth.
The box below right is taken from the ‘Aethelfest’ leaflet produced by Tamworth Borough Council and sets
out her life story. As our Prime Minister, Theresa May, stated in her introduction to the event programme, “in
the year in which we are celebrating the centenary of female suffrage, the life of Aethlflaed reminds us that
women shaped the history of our country long before they were even given the right to vote. As an inspiring
ruler and military leader, she stands out among the annals of remarkable history - yet her story deserves to be
wider known still”
That life story was remembered in a national service of commemoration for 1100th Anniversary of her death
on Tuesday 12th June 2018. at St. Editha’s Parish and Collegiate Church in the presence of H.R.H. The Earl of
Wessex and attended by our very own Year 10 royalty Louise and Jack The service was packed with local
dignitaries, academics specialising in the Anglo-Saxon period, members of the Tamworth Civic Society and
the television historian Michael Wood who began the commemoration with a moving reading of a prayer that
was probably once recited by the Lady of the Mercians Further readings were given in Middle-English which
I’m sure that Danish Ambassador, who was also present, would have been able to understand given its roots
in Nordic language. The music too was uplifting with wonderful choral singing from Lichfield Cathedral Choir,
which was swelled during the hymns
by the enthusiastic congregation. We,
all three, felt it was a pleasure to be
part of something so important to
Tamworth, to be representing The
Wilnecote School in this context and
witnessing the dedication of a window
in her name.
Now I know so much more about ‘our’
warrior queen I want to let others
know of her importance and to continue
to celebrate her life and work.
There are lots of events taking place
in Tamworth over the coming weeks
which I would urge you to take a look
at. The link www.aethelflaed.org will
offer you further details. I will finish
with a reading from the event:
“Those soldiers of Mercia were led
to victory by a woman, the Lady of
the Mercians, a daughter, sister, wife,
mother and aunt. Aethelflaed, Princess
of Wessex, Warrior Queen of
Mercia. Leader,Tactician, Field-Marshal,
town planner, church builder,
Benefactress, Heroine,Patriot; We
remember and salute you.”
Mrs S Hartle
Headteacher

Wolves on the Run
On Sunday 3rd June, eight members of staff took
on the huge challenge of the Summer Wolf Run.
10km of obstacles, water, mud and running. At
times the mud was waist high and there were
moments when we thought a couple of the team
would be left behind as they were quite literally
‘stuck in the mud.’ The team work was amazing,
we all helped each other out, no one was left
behind and we did what we aimed to do which
was to start together and finish together.
“The weather was wonderful which really helped
to add to the enjoyment of the day and made
the water sections quite refreshing. On top of
the enjoyment, we are so thankful to everyone
who donated and helped us to raise £800 for
Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Thank you, thank
you, thank you!”
“We had so much fun and worked so well as a
team that most of us have already entered the
Autumn Wolf Run in September!” Commented
Miss Ager, Wolf Run Pack Leader
Carding Mill Valley
On 18th May the Geography department took
54 Year 10 students to Carding Mill Valley in
Shropshire. This is the second piece of fieldwork that
they have ompleted to prepare them for their Paper 3
‘Skills’ examination that they will sit for their GCSE at
the end of Year 11.
The students investigated the river there by measuring
the channel profile, the velocity, the length and class
of the load within the river itself. It was a very busy day
but the weather was fantastic!
The students now have the task in presenting the
data that they collected and writing up an analysis to
suggest reasons why the data shows what it does.
All of the students enjoyed getting involved in the
activities and conducted themselves appropriately.
Well done Year 10!

Prom 2018
A
fter months of hard work preparing for their
GCSE exams, our Year Elevens got to spend
a final night together at their prom. The prom
took place at Drayton Manor and was a fantastic
evening full of fancy dresses, suits and transport.
Mr Herbert, Head of MacGregor house, said “They
all look so grown up and ready for the next chapter
of their lives. Well done to our Year Elevens and
good luck for the future!”

The Physical Fellowship 2018
On Monday 2nd July 2018 students from The Wilnecote
School took part in The Physical Fellowship performance for
the third consecutive year.
Students from years 7, 8 and 9 had worked with performer Ben
Morley from the company Highly Sprung over two days to create
a performance. The piece, based on the theme of reconciliation,
explored the issues of war and colonisation and the impact they
have on society.
They then performed the piece live on stage at The Belgrade
Theatre Coventry as part of the week long Physical Fellowship
project; The U.K’s only Physical Theatre Festival exclusively for
young people. The students worked incredibly hard to create and
rehearse the performance and did an amazing job of performing
in front of a live audience. We are very proud of them!
During the day the students also participated in workshops led
by members of the UK’s leading theatre companies including
Vamos Mask Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company and
Motion House Dance Theatre. The students had a really enjoyable
day and learnt a lot from having the opportunity to work with so
many industry professionals. It was a fantastic day and all of the
students did themselves and the school proud.
Year 8 students welcomed an up and coming band called
‘The Shades’ into The Wilnecote School. Three young men
entertained the students for an hour with a mixture of their own
songs and popular covers from the charts and Year 8 responded
fantastically to a very different first lesson of the day. Apart from
being entertained, there was an underlying message that the
band spoke of: raising awareness of on-line safety, cyber bullying
and the impact that they can have on the mental health of young
people when used badly. They shared their own experiences of
these issues, both from their time in school and more recently as
they try to make it as a band using various social media platforms
to support them. Students took part in question and answer
sessions and many stayed behind to collect autographs and have
the all-important selfie with a group of great role-models who have
all the qualities needed to make it big in the future - we will be
looking out for them! Student feedback was incredibly positive and
we hope all of Year 8 enjoyed the chance to experience something
different, whilst taking away the message that everyone of us has a
responsibility to use the internet and social media in a positive way
so we can all be happier in our lives, both in and out of school.
The Shades

It’s been a
good month
for:
Glasses Wearers:
It seems people who wear glasses really
are smarter than average. A study of
the genetic data of 300,000 people has
found that those who scored the
highest in intelligence tests were 30%
more likely to have genes that
suggested they need to wear glasses
Coffee Drinkers:
Want to boost the effectiveness of your
team? Researchers at Ohio State
University found that drinking a cup of
coffee before a group activity made
participants more talkative, more
positive and more engaged when
carrying it out.
Things to do:
• Download the BBC Science
Focus podcast
• Kew Science Festival,
Wakehurst 21 – 22 July
2018
• Invisible Worlds, The Eden
Project Cornwall
Its’ been a
bad month
for:
Dirty Footballers:
Football referees are more likely to
show players red or yellow cards for
foul play they’ve watched as a slow
motion replay, researchers at the
University of Leuven have found. The
effect may be due to fouls appearing
to last longer and occur more violently
when played in slow motion.
Photographers
If you want to remember something
don’t take a picture. Taking a snap of
something impairs our ability to recall
it later, researchers at the University
of California have found. It’s unclear
why but it may be due to us paying
less attention to an experience when
we know it’ll be safely stored away
Please remember
that from
September a
scientific calculator
will be a required
piece of equipment
in all science lessons
for Y9, Y10 and Y11.
In Numbers
103
BPM
The ideal rate for
performing chest
compressions when
administering CPR.
This is the tempo of
the chorus to the
Macarena!
546 Million
Years
The age of a set of
footprints made by an
unknown animal in
Southern China – the
oldest of any found to
date
6 Hours
The length of time
days on Earth have
increased in the last
1.4bllion years. This is
due to the moon
gradually moving
away from us,
affecting the spin of
the Earth.

Wilnecote Juniors Have a Smashing Time
On Friday 6th July, we had the pleasure
of the Year 5’s from Wilnecote Juniors
in Science. They had an egg-citing time
trying out different shaped parachutes
and designing a cock pit for an egg. We
had a smashing time testing them out
with their eggs and some of them were
egg - ceptional…..no yolk!
Here are some of the egg-cellent pictures
from the day.
The Round Table are running a Teddies for
Tragedies scheme, asking people to knit
teddies to send to third world countries.
Doctors have discovered that children who have
their own teddies to cuddle get better quicker
than those who don’t. The wool and the knitting
pattern is provided by the Round Table.
Wilnecote Community Library runs a Knitting
and Craft session every Monday between 9.30
and 12.00 and we asked the ladies if they would
like to take part. So far they have knitted 33
teddies with most of the ladies using their own
wool.
Library News
The Summer Reading
Challenge starts on Saturday
14th July in Wilnecote Library.
Children have to read 6 books
over a 6 week period and
when they have finished them
they will get a medal and
certificate.

In October, a group of ten Year 11 students visited Balliol College, Oxford University for the day as part of the
University’s outreach work to encourage more state school students to aim high and consider Oxford as a
possibility. After the trip, the college asked if the students would be prepared to write an article describing
their day for the college magazine. Over several tutor periods, the ten met to draft and redraft an article
which was sent to Balliol ready for the May edition of the magazine. I don’t think that any of them actually
expected it to be published but it was - so the ten students are now in print! The article, as it appeared in the
magazine is printed below.
Ian Farrell Ian Farrell Ian Farrell
Ian Farrell Ian Farrell Ian Farrell
Ian Farrell Ian Farrell Ian Farrell
We woke on a Monday morning bright
We (well, woke brightish) on a Monday and early, morning and set bright off slightly
We (well, bleary-eyed woke brightish) on for a Monday and Oxford. early, Thanks morning and set to bright off the slightly
(well, bleary-eyed usual M42 brightish) mayhem, for and Oxford. early, the journey Thanks and set to was off the slightly a long
bleary-eyed usual one (slightly M42 mayhem, for too Oxford. long the for journey Thanks the bladders to was the a of long
usual one some), (slightly M42 but mayhem, we too eventually long the for journey the arrived bladders was at the a of long
one some), Park (slightly and but Ride. we too eventually We long were for on the arrived our bladders way at the to of
some), Park Balliol and with but Ride. we stereotypical eventually We were expectations arrived our way the to of a
Park Balliol ‘posh’ and college with Ride. stereotypical for We ‘posh’ were people expectations our – way nothing to of a
Balliol ‘posh’ like us college with – and stereotypical the for grandiose ‘posh’ people expectations approach – nothing on of a
‘posh’ like Broad us college Street – and the did for grandiose ‘posh’ nothing people to approach allay – nothing our fears; on
like Broad but us what Street – and we the found did grandiose nothing could to not approach allay have our been fears; on
Broad but further what Street from we our found did nothing expectations. could to not allay have our been fears;
but further When what from we our found entered expectations. could the not grounds have of been the
further College, When from the we enormity our entered expectations. of the it grounds took us of aback the
College, as we When stood the we enormity surrounded entered of the it on grounds took all sides us of aback by the
College, as the we magnificent stood the enormity surrounded stone buildings. of it on took all sides However, us aback by
as the when we magnificent we stood went surrounded inside stone the buildings. on all sides However,
by
the when were magnificent surprised we went by inside stone how the buildings. intimate buildings However, and cosy
when were the College surprised we went felt. by inside We how were the intimate buildings shown and round we cosy
were the by Daisy College surprised Porter, felt. by a We third-year how were intimate shown student, and round who cosy
the by gave Daisy College us an Porter, insight felt. a We into third-year were student shown student, life round at Balliol who
by gave and Daisy at us Oxford an Porter, insight generally. a into third-year student She student, explained life at Balliol who how
gave and Oxford at us Oxford an isn’t insight at generally. into what student you She might explained life at think Balliol how it is
and Oxford at Oxford isn’t at generally. what you She might explained think how it is
Our Oxford trip
Year 11 students at Wilnecote High School describe their
Year
Year
visit
11
11
to
students
students
Balliol with
at Wilnecote High School describe their
visit to Balliol with at Wilnecote
their teacher
their teacher High
Ian
Ian School
Farrell
Farrell describe
(1984)
(1984) their
visit to Balliol with their teacher Ian Farrell (1984)
like and that students do have fun. She told
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network, were. extensive Daisy before emotional also showing told and us about spiritual us the the magnificent support College’s
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ate. Hogwarts, dramatically It was then with down on Balliol’s from to the ‘greats’ the Library, walls gazing where as we
we dramatically ate. were It was able then down to on see from to a the 1632 the Library, walls portfolio where as we of
Shakespeare’s ate. we were It was able then to complete on see to a the 1632 works Library, portfolio and where even of
had we Shakespeare’s were a go at able translating to complete see a some 1632 works portfolio Latin. and We even of
then Shakespeare’s had a separated go at translating complete into groups some works to Latin. compare and We even
and had then contrast a separated go at translating two into title groups pages some to from Latin. compare books We
then and contrast separated two into title groups pages to from compare books
printed in 1616. After a hesitant start,
we printed surprised in 1616. ourselves After a and hesitant impressed start,
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able we the surprised Librarian to discover with ourselves as how we delved much and impressed we deeper. were
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academic many or negative people expectations preconceptions. because of are money certainly While worries the high,
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support academic we found with expectations that financial Oxford issues provides are certainly and great it is high, an
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work support excellent hard. with option On financial behalf for anyone of issues the prepared Wilnecote and it is an to
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Staffordshire Year 7 & 8 County Athletics Championships
Following their success at the District Athletics Championships,
seven girls and two boys from The Wilnecote School wore the
Tamworth vest to represent the Tamworth District in the blazing
sun to compete for a County title.
With the weather being their greatest challenge, they all worked
extremely hard against a strong field of the best athletes in
Staffordshire.
Millie Watton (Shot), Georgia Davey (Discus) and Louise Watson
(Javelin) proved that small is also mighty as they threw superbly
in their individual events. Georgia who has only learnt the discus
this year, finished an incredible 4th in the County with a throw
of 17.3 metres. Another 5cm and she would have got onto the
podium!
The high jumping duo of Sophie Burke & Lottie McClaren had to
face landing on a hot and sticky high jump bed as the sun made
things challenging and managed to score Tamworth muchneeded
points. Ziluinas Strakalas & Bryony Wyatt proved that
if you’re not at the seaside, the sandpit of the long jump is the
next best place to be with Ziluinas finishing a very credible 5th
with a jump of 3.99m for his first time representing Tamworth.
Perhaps the most difficult events for the weather conditions
were those based on the track. For those athletes the greater
the distance, the greater effect of the sun, as the temperature
soared to over 30 degrees.
In the 1,500m Oliver Goldworthy ran a very respectable 5:57.6 at
the hottest point of the day. Massive respect to you Oliver.
Lottie McClaren in the 800m looked in complete control well
ahead of the pack achieving a time of 2:29.2, a strong and
powerful run, just missing out on first place by 4 seconds. A
really good effort Lottie 2nd place in Staffordshire … and a place
on the podium!
In the sprint events, Brooke Burton took 2nd place in the 100m
with a time of 14.0 seconds and in the 200m Brooke was crowned
County Champion with a 1st place time of 28.8 seconds … Very
well done Brooke! Top of the podium, who wouldn’t want that?
All our students performed with real grit and determination,
applying their knowledge of their events with the confidence of
athletes more experienced than themselves even managing to
keep themselves hydrated throughout the day.
They should all be extremely honoured to have represented
Tamworth and should look back at their performances (and the
water fight) with great pride - as a team they all did us proud!

The Year That Was
Story by Louise Griffiths (Year 10)
This year has been a big one. A year of change and excitement and
new experiences. Whilst some doors closed, others opened. So
let’s go through the highlights of this year.
The languages department had an amazing year as they travelled to Germany and France. At the
start of the school year thirty four students took part in the annual German Exchange. They
spent five days with their exchange partners from Stadtisches Gymnasium, Bad Laasphe School and
participated in a large range of activities. These included a designing project where they created a
bag that reflects the exchange, a scavenger hunt, shopping in the beautiful city of Wetzlar, spending
time in their exchange partner’s lessons and many more. In February, 39 GCSE French students went
on a four day trip to the Château de Grand Romaine in France. Throughout the four day trip, students
did a variety of activities including a visit to the Palace of Versailles, a trip to a chocolate factory,
a visit to Montmartre, Sacré Coeur and taking on the ‘Preparez à manger’ task. The task involved
students going out to a local market town and buying the ingredients for a meal they had to prepare
and present in French. The students enjoyed the trip as it was an opportunity to really experience
french culture and explore the language.
This year was a big one for the Performing Arts department from workshops to performances to
tours. In October, a group of Year Eight and Year Nine students spent a weekend participating in a
physical theatre workshop. The workshop was led by Mark Worth from the performance company
‘Highly Sprung’. Students explored the issues that teenagers face such as social media and exams
through movement. The workshop, which was based on ‘Highly Sprung’s’ 2016 performance
‘Witness’, helped the students develop new performance skills and techniques. Miss Julius, Leader of
Learning for Performing Arts, commented “It was brilliant to see students challenged and performing
in a new way.” The school has always had a tradition of producing annual Arts Spectacular evening
in the autumn term but this year we decided to try something new. Students from every year group
performed in our Music Concert. It was a fantastic evening that meant that the Music Department
could show off the amazing talent they have. The evening saw a mixture of performances from
drumming to guitar to singing.
Just before February half-term we had our annual school production. This year we performed the
challenging and dark Lord of the Flies. The play tells the story of a group of children stranded on a
desert island. The production was supported by a strong ensemble and leads from across all the year
groups. The show took a huge amount of effort, time and teamwork from September to February but
was a huge success. Before we broke up for May half-term students from Year Seven, Eight and Nine
went on a music tour of local Primary schools. The tour took place over three days and gave students
the opportunity to perform and share their talent with the local community. Over the three days
they visited six local Primary schools performing a one hour set. The students who took part found
it hard work but a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. Finishing the year off on a high Key
Stage Three students performed in the Physical Fellowship, the U.Ks only physical theatre workshop
for young people. On Monday 2nd of July students travelled to the Coventry Belgrade Theatre to
participate in workshops with some of the U.Ks leading theatre companies including ‘Vamos Mask
Theatre’, ‘The Royal Shakespeare Company’ and ‘Motion House Dance Theatre’ and then performed
their piece in the evening. Students worked with ‘Highly Sprung’ performer Ben Morley for two days
creating a performance. The piece, based on the theme of reconciliation, explored the issues of war
and colonisation and the impact they have on society. The students worked extremely hard on the
performance and they did an amazing job at performing in front of a live audience.

Just before the Christmas holidays, we hosted our annual awards evening celebrating academic
success. We began the evening with a performance from the school choir and then awarded the GCSE
certificates. Awards we given out to Key Stage Three and Fours students and there were Year Eleven
awards for progress and attainment. As the celebration came to a close the special awards were given.
These special awards included The Lydia Bennett Memorial Award for Sports Woman of the Year, the
Pride of Wilnecote award and the Overall Contribution to the Life of the School award, which was
awarded to Mr Tonks as a celebration of his retirement. The awards evening was a fantastic evening
which really demonstrated the excellence that our school has.

In the P.E department, there’s a lot to be proud of this year. In March, the Year Seven girls athletic
team won the Sports Hall Athletics County Championships. The team of eight had been training hard
since October and after succeeding in the District round they continued to represent Tamworth in the
County round. The girls demonstrated their talent across the events and scored the highest points,
leading to their victory and the County title. Both of the girl’s Badminton teams, Key Stage Three and
Year Eleven, participated in the County Championships. The Key Stage three girls became County
Champions again facing the best of Staffordshire and proving their talent and determination. The
Year Eleven girls finished their final Badminton season reaching the County Finals for the fourth year
running. The team have been playing for four years and we are extremely proud of the amazing team.
The Year Eleven boys’ football team have been on a winning streak this year winning not one, but two
Championships. The Fazeley Shield is one of Tamworth’s most coveted football competitions that was
originated in 1906. On Good Friday the Year Eleven boys’ team secured the Fazeley Shield Title. They
beat The Rawlett School 2-0 making this Mr Mason’s third win in the Fazeley Shield Championship.
They continued their winning streak victory at the District League. They won the match 4-2 against The
Lichfield Cathedral School. The District League was the final match for the Year Eleven boys team and
they really brought it home and did our school proud.
On Thursday 1st February, Year Ten GCSE art students paid a visit to Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.
While they were there they took photos and completed research at the museum looking for sources
that will be used in their exam next year. Pitt Rivers is part of Oxford University and renowned for its
collection of archeollogical and ethnographic items from around the world. In May, Year ten GCSE
Geography students travelled to Birmingham city centre in preparation for their exam. They collected
and analysed data at the Birmingham Bullring in groups for the exam they will sit in Year Eleven.
While there’s so much that goes into a school year, we’re only touching the tip
of the iceberg in this article. This academic year has been truly extraordinary and
really shows who we are as a school. Let’s hope that next year will be as fantastic
as this one.
GCSE Results day is Thursday 23rd August. Results will be available from 9.00 am in the hall. If
students are unable to pick up their results in person they should nominate another adult to
do so, who must have a letter signed by the student authorising them to pick up the results.
Alternatively, if you require the results to be emailed to you then you should contact Mrs
Tonks to register for this service at htonks@wilnecotehighschool.org. We will be joined by
external partners who will offer advice and guidance about Post-16 pathways. We look forward
to seeing as many as possible of you there to celebrate with us.