Skip to content ↓

Latest News

Page 4

  • PolyMAT - The first Trust in London to be awarded Investors in Diversity Silver Award!

    Published 08/05/24

    PolyMAT - The first Trust in London to be awarded Investors in Diversity Silver Award!

    We are delighted to announce that PolyMAT has achieved the Investors in Diversity Award from the National Centre for Diversity. We look forward to building on this success in the future.

    As the first Trust in London to be awarded Investors in Diversity Silver, this achievement recognises the value PolyMAT place on creating a truly inclusive culture where everyone feels celebrated and valued.

    The Investors in Diversity Award for Schools is a framework designed to help schools to review their current FREDIE (Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement) practices, in line with the latest Ofsted legislation. Diversity and inclusion is extremely important to our growth and development, and we will continue to promote this throughout our business.

    PolyMAT’s final report demonstrated the value that students and staff placed in PolyMAT’s supportive environment: Staff members noted that leaders maintain open-door policies, ensuring accessibility for addressing any concerns or seeking guidance. They expressed feeling supported, knowing their voices would be heard, enabling them to provide feedback, suggestions, and seek assistance when necessary. Staff also described how positive leadership and management behaviours were encouraging them to emulate them.

    CEO of Polymat, Mr Tim Plumb comments,

    “I take pride in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, as demonstrated by our recent achievement of the Investors in Diversity Silver award. Our dedication to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity within the trust is unwavering and we have worked exceptionally hard over the past few years to advance and promote EDI which has included a number of significant and vital changes to our operations.

    Every member of staff within our trust has contributed to our journey by making our schools such warm, welcoming, and inclusive places to work and for our students to thrive and study. Our employees are our top priority and creating an inclusive work environment with a positive culture is essential to our people-focused strategy. A huge congratulations to everyone in our trust for all their hard work in helping us achieve this award. We are delighted to receive the Silver Award, and this will play a crucial role in shaping our long-term EDI plan, supporting us on this ongoing journey.”


    National Centre for Diversity

    Read More
  • Conclusion: Changing the timings of the school day

    Published 03/05/24

    Click to download the Conclusion: Changing the timings of the school day letter pdf

    3RD May 2024

    Dear parents and carers,

    I am writing to you to inform you of the results of our consulted changes to the school day, coming into effect from September 2nd 2024.

    Feedback on this proposal has been overwhelmingly positive and I can therefore summarise concluded changes below for years 7 to 11 at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls:

    • A 15 minute earlier start time of 8.15am every day; 
    • A 10 minute earlier finish time of 2.55pm every day except Wednesday; 
    • A finish time of 2.05pm on Wednesdays, which will include an afternoon registration; 
    • We will no longer need to have different finishing times in Week A and Week B, meaning that the finishing times above are consistent each week;
    • The lengths of periods would be 5 x 1-hour lessons on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 
    • The length of periods would be 4 x 1 hour on Wednesdays; 
    • Staggered lunches of 40 minutes each for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.

    The new school day timings will therefore be as follows:

    Key Stage 3: Monday/ Tuesday/ Thursday/ Friday 

     

    Start 

    Finish 

    AM registration 

    8:15am 

    8:40am 

    P1 

    8:40am 

    9:40am 

    P2 

    9:40am 

    10:40am 

    Break 

    10:40am 

    11:05am 

    P3 

    11:05am 

    12:05am 

    Lunch 

    12:05pm 

    12:45pm 

    P4 

    12:45pm 

    1:45pm 

    P5 

    1:45pm 

    2:45pm 

    PM registration 

    2:45pm 

    2:55pm  

    Key Stage 3: Wednesday 

     

    Start 

    Finish 

    Personal Development 

    8:15am 

    8:55am 

    P1 

    8:55am 

    9:55am 

    P2 

    9:55am 

    10:55am 

    Break 

    10:55am 

    11:20am 

    P3 

    11.20am 

    12:20pm 

    Lunch 

    12:20pm 

    12:55pm 

    Period 4 

    12:55pm 

    1:55pm 

    PM registration 

    1:55pm 

    2:05pm 

    Key Stage 4: Monday/ Tuesday/ Thursday/ Friday 

     

    Start 

    Finish 

    AM registration 

    8:15am 

    8:40am 

    P1 

    8:40am 

    9:40am 

    P2 

    9:40am 

    10:40am 

    Break 

    10:40am 

    11:05am 

    P3 

    11:05am 

    12:05am 

    P4 

    12:05pm 

    1:05pm 

    KS4 Lunch 

    1:05 pm 

    1:45pm 

    P5 

    1:45pm 

    2:45pm 

    PM registration 

    2:45pm 

    2:55pm 

    Key Stage 4: Wednesday 

     

    Start 

    Finish 

    Personal Development 

    8:15am 

    8:55am 

    P1 

    8:55am 

    9:55am 

    P2 

    9:55am 

    10:55am 

    Break 

    10:55am 

    11:20am 

    P3 

    11.20am 

    12:20pm 

    P4 

    12:20pm 

    1:20pm 

    Lunch 

    1:20pm 

    1:55pm 

    PM registration 

    1:55pm 

    2:05pm 

    Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, our brother school right next door, intends to start at 8.40am and finish by 3.20pm, creating a 25-minute gap between both schools’ start and finishing times from September 2024.

    I want to thank you for your engagement in our consultation process and hope that you agree that these new times will greatly benefit the smooth access and exit from our two schools.

    Yours faithfully,

    Ms L Williams

    Headteacher

    Read More
  • Uniform Spring Offer - 10% off 4th-6th May 2024

    Published 29/04/24
    10% off everything this bank holiday weekend!
    Enter Promo Code: SPRING24
    Click here to buy uniform from Brigade

     

    Offer only applies to orders placed online between 00:01 on 04/05/24 and 23:59 on 06/05/24.

    Offer only applies to order placed via the ‘Parents Direct’ area of our site

    Offer cannot be claimed on orders placed prior to, or after the above period.

    Discount does not apply to delivery/handling charges.

    Offer only applies to orders placed online using the promo code: SPRING24

    Partial refunds will not be given if you place your order during this period but fail to correctly apply the promo code

    Offer only applies to orders placed on www.brigade.uk.com

    Read More
  • Erith Town FC - Final Game of the Season - Thursday 25th April 2024 at 7.45pm - Bayliss Avenue Thamesmead

    Published 23/04/24

    Erith Town vs. Snodland Town FC - Final Game of the Season Thursday 25th April 2024 at 7.45pm

    Stanmore Stadium Bayliss Avenue, Thamesmead, London SE28 8NJ

    The final game of the regular league season against Snodland Town FC is this Thursday 25th April at 7:45pm. This may be a bit late for some, but we would be delighted to invite as many fans as we can to this game to celebrate the first season we have had at Bayliss Avenue.

    As a thank you for your support this season, fans will have the chance to have photos taken with the SCEFL Challenge Cup and Kent Senior trophies that the club has won, as well as the club buying fans their first drink of the evening at the bar. There will also be half-time entertainment for any children to take part in, as well as the chance to meet and have photos with the players and management after the game. As always, any season ticket holders will get in FREE and any accompanying adults will get in at the reduced rate of just £5 instead of the usual £8.

    Thank you again for your support this season. It has meant a lot to all of us at Erith Town FC, and we would not have been able to achieve what we have without you.

    Click to view the Erith Town FC website for more details

    Read More
  • Poly Parent Morning - Monday 22nd April 2024

    Published 22/04/24

    This morning, we hosted parents and carers for our Poly Parent Morning event. The focus this week was on encouraging reading at home. Mrs. Spencer, our School Librarian and Literacy Coordinator, presented to parents and shared tips to make reading a positive experience at home, including the following:

    • Select books based on your child's interests.
    • Even ten minutes of daily reading adds up to over an hour per week.
    • Utilize libraries! They are free to join and offer a wide range of books.
    • Don't hesitate to seek advice on reading or literacy from your child's Tutor, English Teacher, or the School Librarian.

    We always enjoy seeing so many parents and carers at our Poly Parent Mornings, thank you to everyone who attended. Please keep an eye out for information about our next morning event.

    For any queries about reading at home and literacy, you can contact Mrs. Spencer at rspencer@woolwichpolygirls.co.uk.

    Read More
  • Poly Parent Morning - Monday 22nd April 2024 9.15-10.15am

    Published 16/04/24

    Dear Parents/Carers

    Please save the date for our next Poly Parent Morning, which will be held on Monday 22 April 2024 from 9.15 - 10.15 a.m.

    During this session there will be a focus on the importance of literacy across the curriculum and at home.

    We will look at how literacy impacts results in exams, how it can support mental health and wellbeing, and why Reading for Pleasure is a vital part of learning.

    There will be information shared on how WPSfG supports literacy, as well as hints and tips for parents and carers to support their young people with these skills outside of school.

    Poly Parent Morning is always a great time to meet with other parents, and gather further information on various topics and interests from our brochure table.

    Refreshments will be provided and young children and babies are welcome.

    We look forward to seeing you.

    Kind regards,

    Mrs R Brown

    Poly Parent Morning Co-ordinator

    Read More
  • Kooth - Support for parents/carers & students taking exams

    Published 15/04/24

    Dear Parents/Carers

    Over the coming weeks your child may mention they have been made aware of a service called Kooth. At Kooth, we provide a safe, secure means of accessing online emotional health support from a professional team of qualified counsellors and emotional wellbeing practitioners. 

    Kooth offers wellbeing support 365 days a year via a range of self-help materials and peer to peer support which young people are able to contribute to. Everything is pre-moderated and age appropriate, in order to safeguard our users, so you know that what your child is accessing is safe. 

    Kooth works alongside schools and colleges across the UK and are running student facing webinars through April and May on topics like ‘Staying safe online’ and ‘Tips for managing exam stress’. 

    Kooth is also offering free virtual sessions for parents on the 22nd & 25th April that provide tips on how you can support your child manage anxiety about their upcoming exams - please use this link to sign up.  

    There’s also resources designed especially for parents available on our website including advice on how to talk to your teen about their feelings: Parents/Carers resources.

    If you have any questions or would like to discuss what Kooth.com can offer you can email us on parents@kooth.com.

    Kind Regards

    Kooth Engagement Team

     

    SUPPORT FOR STAFF & PARENTS/CARERS

    In April we’re running KoothTalks training webinars specifically to help education staff and parents support young people sitting exams. 

    Please share these booking links with your team:

    Tue 23 Apr. 3.30-4.15pm

    Thu 25 Apr. 12.30-1.15pm

    (Don’t worry if you can’t make these times - just fill in the short form and we’ll send you the recording to watch in your own time).

    And here are the booking links to share with parents in school emails or on parent portals. Please let parents know about this free session, especially if they are worried about their child’s anxiety:

    Mon 22 Apr. 1-2pm

    Thu 25 Apr. 6-7pm

    Read More
  • Year 9 App Challenge

    Published 04/04/24
    Year 9 App Challenge On Friday 22nd March 2024 40 Year 9 students took part in an APP challenge in partnership with Cognizant and International Women's day. During the day students worked with employers from Cognizant and created, developed
    Read More
  • FREE Things to do in Greenwich this Easter half-term

    Published 27/03/24

    Please find below a list of useful links for free events and activities for the upcoming Easter half term break locally:

    Read More
  • Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls - Prefect Team 2024!

    Published 25/03/24

    Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls - Prefect Team

    Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who applied to join our WPSfG Prefect team. It is not an easy process to become an WPSfG Prefect. First, students must complete an application form and then from these some are invited to interview for the role. In conjunction with the application and interview, we look at attendance, punctuality and behaviour of each student, as much as possible, building up a complete picture of each student and their contributions to our school community.  A number of our students have challenged themselves to take part in this process, and they should all be congratulated on their hard work and effort.

    This team will now begin receiving training for their role. Some will be invited to our ‘Head Prefect Panel’ where we begin our selection process for our new Senior Prefects, Assistant Head Prefects, Deputy Head Prefects and Head Prefect.

    I am very pleased to announce our new Prefect Team for 2024:

    Juweerat Rachael Samira Devine Oluwafunmilola Joshlyn Sudenaz
    Treasure Temi Jumara Yana Gloria Pearl Kelly
    Amirat Emma Haddy Rosita Reina-Sofia Mirshika Chloe
    Yasmin Cara Samira Mirabel Shola Isabelle Praise
    Sharon Sophia Fiona-May Oluwasemilore Danielle Sola Angela

    Huge congratulations to all these students for their hard work and dedication throughout their time at WPSfG. We have an exciting year ahead with such a strong team of Student Leaders.

    Read More
  • Kooth wellbeing service for students over Easter

    Published 22/03/24

    As we approach the Easter holidays, we would like to remind you that Kooth will be available for students to access throughout the Easter period.

    To remind you, Kooth is a free online mental health and wellbeing service available to all young people in Greenwich aged 10-25.

    At Kooth, we offer free support with no waiting lists. Kooth is a safe and anonymous space for young people to talk about their wellbeing without the fear of judgement. We have clinical practitioners on hand to offer one-to-one support through text-based counselling, operating after school hours, on weekends, and during school holidays. Your students can access the immediate help they need without a formal referral.

    Also, a reminder that for education staff we have our upcoming KoothTalks webinar on overcoming mental health stigma in the Muslim community. This topic is particularly important in ensuring all students receive the support they need, with anxiety, depression, and stress being prevalent issues among young Muslims (University of East London, 2021). Secure your spot by registering here. If you've already signed up or plan to do so, please expect the Zoom link one day before the session.

    Read More
  • UCL - Bring your family to University days 2024!

    Published 22/03/24
    Bring Your Family to University Days are free one-day events on UCL's central London campus for students from Year 5 to Year 11, and their families.

    About the events

    Bring Your Family to University Days are a series of free one-day events aimed at providing information, advice and guidance about university to young people and their parents and carers through fun and interactive sessions on UCL's central London campus. 

    These events will include activities such as subject taster lectures, panels, support sessions for parents/carers, campus tours and the opportunity to talk to current university students. A FREE packed lunch will be provided.

    When and where will the events take place?

    We’re offering primary and secondary school students the opportunity to visit the UCL campus with their families during spring and summer 2024. The dates and relevant school groups for Bring your Family to University days can be found below:

    • Saturday 27 April: Primary school (Year 5-6) 
    • Saturday 15 June: Primary school (Year 5-6) 
    • Saturday 11 May: Secondary school (Year 7-11) 
    • Saturday 6 July: Secondary school (Year 7-11)

    Click to visit the UCL website - Bring your family to University days

    Bring Your Family to University Day

    Read More

Page 4

Contact Us

Birchdene Drive
Thamesmead
London
SE28 8RF