Welcome to the last edition of Rough Notes for the spring term and thank you for reading our monthly publication, it really is a fantastic way to share the amazing things our students and staff are doing both in and out of school.
It has been another busy month with students engaged in all sorts of activities.
Early in March, students in our 6th Form heard from guest speakers about the importance of road safety. Given our rural, coastal location, many students rely on their ability to drive to access opportunities they would miss if they did not have their own transport. The local road network comes with its own challenges and the purpose of the presentation was to ensure that students take every precaution to ensure their own safety and the safety of others. We wish the students well with their driving ambitions.
Students from across the school have the opportunity to be recognised for their efforts and successes on a Friday break time. Selected students from all years are invited to meet together to celebrate their achievements whilst enjoying cookies and cake. There is nothing like free food to pique the interest of a teenager. Congratulations to all the students who have enjoyed their sweet treat to date.
Our girl’s rugby team made history this month when they visited Colfox School to play in their first competitive rugby match. The girls have had the opportunity to participate in a rugby development day in Dorchester led by Bath Rugby and have been working towards this fixture. We are delighted that they have had this opportunity and look forward to many more in the future.
The Woodroffe Ten Tors team have their training in hand as they prepare for the annual event in the summer term. 2022 marked the return of the event since its enforced postponement at the hands of COVID-19. Woodroffe has an impressive 100% record in event completion, no pressure then on this year’s team.
Since Christmas, we have been working closely with the Lyme Regis Gig Club to develop an indoor rowing team. This month, students from across the school had the opportunity to visit the Jubilee Pavilion in Lyme Regis and use the specialist set up there as part of their ongoing development. We are very grateful to the club for its ongoing support.
At the end of term, the music department organised and performed a lovely Spring Concert in a packed main hall. On the night, there were wonderful performances from soloists, ensembles, and groups. I would like to extend my congratulations to all the performing students and, my thanks to the fabulous music team who put together the event. Well done to all involved.
I am delighted to report that Will Birchall participated in the International Cross-Country event in Liverpool on Saturday the 25th of March. Will was part of England’s four-person, U15 mixed team relay which won team gold. Will had a very positive and memorable experience. Congratulations on a fabulous performance.
On Tuesday the 28th of March we welcomed Holocaust survivor, Henry Schachter who joined us to speak with Year 9 and some 6th Form students. We are very grateful for his time and the messages shared with our young people. Thanks also to Ms Forrester who made the arrangements and invited Henry to visit our school.
Senior Awards Evening made its return for the second year in a row following the postponement of the face-to-face event due to the pandemic. We are delighted to have been able to celebrate the successes and achievements of our students and, to be able to do this with a live audience made the event even more special. Below is an extract from my presentation:
"We are all very much aware of the challenges and injustices present in the world and the impact that these have on nations, communities, and individuals, directly or indirectly. These challenges have an impact on our young people, those who sat in front of me tonight. We hope that in the future when you leave our little corner, you are able to shape the world and help make it a safer, fairer, and brighter place for everyone.
Our staff consistently demonstrate the resilience and adaptability required to overcome these challenges and consistently do their very best, to support the ongoing education of all our students. I would like to personally thank them for what they have done.
Parents and carers. I am delighted that you can join us once again and that you are able to participate in this opportunity to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our young people. With all the noise and distraction, it is often easy to overlook those things that happen amongst us, tonight is our opportunity to shine a light on those achievements and say, we see what you do.
And students. Your determination to remain focused and engaged, and to make the most of the opportunities that are provided to you, is simply stunning. You are here tonight because you do not give up in the face of adversity and you continue to work hard, not allowing your future to be affected by the noise and distraction around you. You have been amazing and fully deserve your moment in the spotlight.
Tonight is about celebrating. Celebrating our students. Celebrating their achievements."
The final day of term provided us with an opportunity to bring the school together as a community for a whole school assembly. Well over 1000 students and staff gathered in the sports hall to hear music performed by our students, listen to a speech by our Head Prefects, and participate in an assembly entitled ‘Things are not always as they seem’.
Students have amassed a huge amount of awards certificates so far this year, our congratulations to all those receiving an award at the end of term. The figures below show how many have been distributed so far, and we are only 2/3 of the way through the year.
I hope you enjoy this edition of ‘Rough Notes’. Should you wish to find out more about our school, news, or events, please visit the school website which I am sure you will find useful. In addition, for regular updates, why not look at our social media outlets:
Сподіваюся, вам сподобається це видання “Чорнових нотаток”. Якщо ви хочете дізнатися більше про нашу школу, новини чи події, відвідайте веб-сайт школи, який, я впевнений, вам буде корисним. Крім того, для регулярних оновлень, чому б не подивитися на наші соціальні мережі:
Woodroffe can be found on Twitter and Instagram.
Thank you for your support, it is appreciated by us all at Woodroffe.
Dan Watts
Headteacher