Each week our team of Subject Ambassadors drop in to lessons with a learning mentor, to see all the great things that their peers are doing.  We know that peer learning is a really important tool is a young person's skill set, as we all can learn so much from one another.  Willingdon has a broad and talented range of young people, and this is a place where we get to acknowledge and celebrate their day-to-day achievements, showing how they are taking responsibility and leading their own learning, preparing themselves for a bright future.

Year 10 Editing Team: Eva Owen, Olivia Bignell and Poppy Barnes

This Week in Willingdon - 23rd June 2025

Year 10 girls have been thoroughly enjoying their energetic PE lessons out on the field, making the most of the warm, sunny weather we’ve been lucky to have. They’ve been playing the much-loved game of Stoolball — a fast-paced team sport that has everyone getting involved. Students have been working in pairs and as part of a wider team, developing their skills, encouraging each other, and building team spirit. It’s been a brilliant way to stay active while enjoying the outdoors.

Over in the Music department, Year 7 have been working hard this week learning how to read music notation and developing their musical skills. They’ve also been practising singing together as a class, following a backing track while keeping in time with the rhythm and pitch. Along the way, they’ve been strengthening their vocal confidence and learning to perform as an ensemble. These skills are fantastic preparation for the upcoming Phoenix Festival, where all our talented young musicians will have the exciting opportunity to shine on stage

In Science this week, Year 9 have been working in groups to create their projects for the annual Science Fair. It is wonderful to see their creativity and interests represented through their work. Students have been working incredibly hard to present their findings in a fun, organised way, accompanied by thorough research related to their topics. Some of the projects being made this year include: the vibrations of a guitar, the science behind volcanoes, and how temperature affects a glow squid’s ink. These projects have drawn upon our Year 9’s ability to research, predict, present data, and carry out practical investigations. We hope they are thoroughly enjoying this exciting way to end the year.

This week, the Year 8 boys’ PE group took part in a series of running races. Within their teams, a runner was chosen for each race depending on stamina and distance. This encouraged students to consider individual strengths and contribute to the team’s success. The atmosphere was incredibly supportive, despite the competitive spirit on display. When speaking to a few of the students, many shared that they loved the activity as it gave them the chance to meet and chat with a wider range of classmates.

A Big Goodbye to Our Year 11s!
This week marked the final GCSE exam and the end of the Year 11 journey at Willingdon. You've all grown so much and achieved incredible things, and now it’s time for the next exciting chapter. And to Year 10… it’s your turn now — you’re the eldest in the school! Step up, lead well, and make your final year count!

Travel Tales

This Monday morning, a group of 15 Year 10 students stepped into the labs at Eastbourne College. Guided by the college’s incredible science staff, they dove into the fascinating world of chemistry — beginning with electrolysis, extracting elements from brine, and using various tests to identify the products. Next came a quick-fire recap on bonding and how substances are arranged, before the morning ended with a colorful bang: flame tests that lit up the lab. The students loved the experience — becoming more confident with lab equipment and deepening their understanding of key chemistry concepts. A huge thank you to Eastbourne College for such an inspiring and engaging start to the week!

On Wednesday, a group of our Year 9 and 10 students travelled to The Globe to watch a performance of Romeo and Juliet. This incredible adaptation offered fresh and imaginative ways of bringing Shakespeare’s classics to life. Set in the Wild West, with characters dressed as cowboys, the production captivated our students — deepening their understanding of the play and encouraging them to explore it from new and exciting perspectives.

“I really liked the Western theme, and it was impressive how they adapted the play without interfering with the story or dialogue.” – Year 10 student

Also, this week, Year 8 made the most of our beautiful coastline by heading down to measure the length of the beach. They worked in small groups, collecting data and learning valuable fieldwork skills as part of their geography studies. The day was perfectly rounded off with well-earned ice cream and some time to relax and enjoy the sunshine by the sea.

W/C 16th June 2025 Newsletter

What's coming up?

The week starting 7th July is going to be very busy but exciting nonetheless! Kicking things off on Monday 7th July, we are thrilled to be hosting the annual Phoenix Festival. Get ready for an amazing afternoon filled with music, dance, and plenty of fun stalls. Whether you're performing or supporting someone who is, we hope to see you there!

Later in the week, on Thursday 10th July, it is time for Sports Day! The day will feature a range of events including races, obstacle courses, striking and fielding games, and much more. Even if sports are not your main thing, it is still a day of participation with stalls, food trucks, and fun games for everyone to enjoy as well as our roving team of reporters who will be reviewing the day!