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- Health & Fitness (morning)
Join The Westgate School Fitness Club! Promote a healthy lifestyle with fun activities, improve your fitness, and be part of a supportive community. Health & Fitness (morning) Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Health & Fitness (morning) Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Opportunity to start the week off with a blast and access the H&F studio before school on a Monday from 7.30-8.15 am. Please come in PE kit and change after the club. 30 pupil max capacity due to space. If you're unable to sign-up, due to high demand, we will be running a reserve list in the PE office for this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go
- English
English Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual Go Go Our English Curriculum intends to: Instil in pupils a passion for literature and a life-long love of reading. Teach pupils to become critical, analytical and evaluative readers of fiction and non-fiction. Enable pupils to craft language so that they become convincing writers, able to adapt their writing for different audiences and purposes. Ensure that pupils are effective communicators in spoken English. Why learn English? English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. Our English course will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others, and, through their listening and reading, others can communicate with them. With reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Literature plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society: pupils who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised. The curriculum is taught as an integrated course combining the study of language and literature, which continues in Years 9 -11. Our vision is that from Reception Year onwards, all pupils develop a passion and enthusiasm for English through exploring and appreciating a range of texts, both literary and non-fiction, and learn how to craft language to suit a range of audiences and purposes. The English curriculum is taught as an integrated course. However, pupils will be entered for GCSE English Language and Literature as two discrete qualifications. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Writing For EYFS/Key Stage 1 ‘Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual’ begins with our youngest children, joining us in Reception. Writing begins with meaningful mark making, such as first attempts to write a shopping list, to writing their name. As they settle into Reception, children learn correct letter formation following ‘Letter join’ sequenced resources and are encouraged to write purposefully and clearly to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings. Following a rich and diverse text driven curriculum, children are inspired to write and enjoy opportunities for planning, drafting and reviewing. Oracy is a vital part of our Early Years Curriculum, and our children develop confident skills to become assured and articulate speakers. Through circle times and sharing their interests in key person groupings all children are supported to practise and develop formal and informal speaking skills. Children are also taught to understand the benefits of being sensitive, observant and attentive listeners. During Year 1 our carefully planned foundations of learning from EYFS are strengthened and refined. Handwriting skills develop and children are taught to progress letter formation into the beginnings of a cursive script. Children are taught a wide variety of writing skills such as: the art of letter writing, recount and instructional writing. ‘Talk for writing’ creates exciting narratives and figurative poetry. During Year 2 children begin to write more cohesively using a wider range of conjunctions and are expected to write with a greater stamina. Our text driven curriculum is thoughtfully planned to ensure children continue to develop a rich and varied vocabulary and understand that texts are set out in different ways for different purposes. Oracy skills are built upon, and children feel confident challenging each other and putting forward their point of view whilst accepting that others may think differently. Throughout KS1 and in reception, learning is assessed formatively using ‘pink for praise’ and ‘green for growth’ highlighters. Children are clear and confident to articulate what they have done well and what they need to do to improve their writing. Children are also taught how to begin to edit their own writing. Phonics and Reading Schemes For Key Stage 1 Children learn phonics through the carefully structured systematic synthetic Bug Club programme, then learn to transcribe phonic sounds into the early writing process of graphemes, words and sentences. Vocabulary development is a vital part of the curriculum, and we use the ‘Drawing Club’ model, in which children ‘share a treasure trove of vocabulary’ enriching language skills and encourage creativity and imagination. ‘Westgate Word Walls’ support children in every classroom from Reception to Year 6. Phonics is an important part of the curriculum and in the June of Year 1, children will take part in the National phonics screening check and the application of phonics to reading. Children progress through phase 5 and phase 6 phonics into Year 1 Bug Club Spelling and Grammar. Writing is centred around a diverse and exciting text-based curriculum. Fiction and non-fiction texts are chosen carefully to ensure enjoyment, humour, literary challenge and vocabulary development. Books are beautiful and we ensure all texts chosen are full of inspiring illustrations and captivating content! The end of this Key stage enables children to write more independently. Children re-visit phase 5 and 6 phonics and then progress onto Year 2 Bug Club Spelling and Grammar. The spelling and grammar curriculum during this year is challenging and children are supported to understand and apply a wide variety of spelling rules and grammar that will enhance their writing. Children will become more confident with new terminology and are able to develop their writing for a wider range of purposes and audiences. Writing in Key Stage 2 Children continue to follow the ‘Letter join’ handwriting programme and handwriting is expected to develop during this Key Stage to form a neat cursive script. Children progress from KS1 spelling and grammar skills following Bug Club spelling and grammar into KS2 resources. Consistent and accurate teaching ensures children’s writing develops with an authorial voice and a mature understanding of sentence structure and its effect on the reader. Stamina increases throughout KS2 and children create cohesive paragraphs in narratives and non-narrative material, whilst maintaining quality. Children are encouraged to read and check their writing for sense, editing for improvement is taught alongside audience awareness. There is a greater level of independence to select and propose changes for appropriate grammar and vocabulary and children are taught to use effective organisational and presentational devices. Challenging texts continue to be chosen carefully to ensure rich vocabulary development and an understanding of how authors write for effect. Writing outcomes are planned carefully using high quality texts to ensure that writing is effective and emotive and covering a range of genres. Older children often support younger children and listen carefully to each other’s ‘masterpieces’. Throughout KS2 writing continues to be assessed formatively using ‘pink for praise’ and ‘green for growth’. Children are clear, confident creative writers and can articulate what they have done well and what they need to do to improve their writing. Year 6 is the final Year of KS2 and we ensure a smooth and supportive transition from KS2 into the beginning of KS3. As part of our middle school model, colleagues from both phases, Primary and Secondary, deliver teaching and learning in our ‘all through’ school. Upper KS2 texts are chosen carefully in consideration of the KS3 English Curriculum and children are well prepared for this next stage of their educational journey. Phonics and Reading in Key Stage 2 Phonics is taught systematically, beginning in reception, using ‘Bug Club’ resources and planning. Whole-class teaching of phonics is supported by additional group and individual provision where required. Daily assessments ensure that children have understood, can remember and can apply their phonics. Teachers are highly skilled confident practitioners: misconceptions are picked up immediately and children make outstanding progress. Common exception words (CEWs) are introduced from the start of Reception. There are a set list of words for each Year group. (please see attachments below) These ‘tricky’ words although taught at school will need to be reinforced at home and children will need to be able to read and spell these words set words correctly, by the end of each Year. Reading Fluency Children follow the Bug Club Reading scheme and after the first half term they are matched to decodable books in order to develop reading fluency. From reception through KS1 children enjoy progressing through these books alongside the phonic sounds taught. In addition to the decodable books, children are allocated a ‘banded book’ that is not fully decodable but is at the correct level for your child. Parents and children are able to access the allocated decodable books on via the ‘e book’ platform on Bug Club. We use a combination of precisely targeted ‘ebooks’ to develop reading fluency and physical books to support all children on their reading for pleasure journey. Children read 1:1 with the class teacher and the Learning Support Assistant in reception. All reading (from Reception to year 6) at home and at school is recorded into a ‘reading record’. Vocabulary development is supported by ‘Drawing Club’ in reception based on a wide variety of rich texts children explore and develop vocabulary through the medium of illustration. Vocabulary is then used in context during the week and children are encouraged to use their vocabulary at home. Children begin guided reading in Year 1 and as confidence in reading fluency improves, children are introduced to reading comprehension skills. Exposure to stories, animated tales and traditional tales is valued highly. Every class will share a story after lunch through our “Westgate Story time” and through Drawing Club. Comprehension Reading and writing are intrinsically linked and from Reception through KS1 children are taught to discuss and sequence a narrative text. This is vital as it supports the ability to recall, retrieve and sequence reading. During KS1 children enjoy ‘book talk’ sessions where carefully chosen texts are used to stimulate rich class discussions, answer age appropriate comprehension questions and discover new vocabulary. Additionally, Guided Reading in small groups ensures children have the opportunity to read and discuss responses orally and in writing to comprehension questions based on: vocabulary, inference, predication, explanation, retrieval and summary. As children move into KS2, children complete ‘reading skill builders’ into reading journals alongside whole class reading. Children are encouraged to be creative and add illustrations and to take pride in their individual Reading Builders. Small group guided reading sessions continue through KS2 with the class teacher, where carefully selected questions for each age group are discussed and debated and cover each reading skill. Primary phase children enjoy support from Secondary Phase pupils and Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh pupils read and discuss: poetry, plays, fiction, and non-fiction with all year groups once a week. Children leave KS2 continuing confidently into their journey of ‘Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual’ Overview of the Course: From the start of Year 7, all pupils are introduced to our core skills – the golden threads - so they are fully embedded by the time the pupils reach KS4. These key skills are taught through a study of novels, plays, poetry and non-fiction or media-based texts. Co urse Content: Year 7 Year 7 pupils begin the year with the ‘Heroes’ unit which is designed to develop a range of pupils’ inference as well as introduce the skills of analysis and comparison. Writing will involve crafting a persuasive speech to be delivered to the class. Subsequent units include the study of a modern novel; poetry of peace and protest; a creative travel writing unit; a media unit on representation and stereotypes and a Shakespeare play. Year 8 Year 8 has been designed to build on the skills that have been introduced in Year 7. The year begins with a unit on Gothic Literature where pupils analyse 19th century fiction and write an opening to their own Gothic novel. By the end of the year, all pupils will have also studied a dystopian novel to develop creative writing skills; a media-based unit on advertising; a Shakespeare play; poems from other cultures and developed reading skills to explore what life was like in the nineteenth century. The course is planned to provide a range of cultural experiences to widen pupils’ horizons and develop a passion for reading and the study of literature which we hope will stay with them throughout their life. Pupils are encouraged to transfer the reading and writing skills to other curriculum areas and these links are often made explicit in lessons. Course Skills: Reading: skimming, scanning and decoding skills, comprehension and inference, analysis of language and the structure of a text, and evaluation skills are introduced and consolidated over the two years. Writing: both creative and analytical writing skills are taught together with a focus on structure of the text, use of language devices, improving vocabulary and technical accuracy. Spoken language skills are practised through speeches and drama-based activities and debating and other structured talk. Assessment: Pupils will be assessed in every unit and each assessment will focus on a different skill for either reading or writing. All pupils will be fully prepared for the assessments and will practise the skills needed during lessons. The assessments will focus on key skills to provide a strong foundation for all pupils in improving their literacy, analysis or communication skills. To support your child’s learning in English and Media Studies clips will be shown from films such as: 'War Horse' and 'Romeo and Juliet' (Year 7); 'Macbeth' (Year 9); These clips and/or films will be shown in lessons according to our curriculum plans. In alignment with British Board of Film Classification regulations, pupils may be shown clips from films that are slightly above their chronological age (e.g., a film classified as a 12 for pupils in Year 7) where a teacher deems it appropriate for educational reasons. In doing so, adults will ensure that it is appropriate for the learning task and for the children in the class and if there are any scenes that could be upsetting, will advise pupils in advance. If you have any concerns and would like to discuss this in more detail, please do contact Mrs. Griffiths, Faculty Leader for English and MFL, as soon as possible such that we can adjust our plans, and we will be happy to work in partnership with you. English Language and Literature in Year 9 Overview of the Course: Pupils will develop their skills as critical readers of fiction and non-fiction texts and also become writers, adept at crafting language to suit a range of audiences and purposes. They will also become confident speakers able to express their opinion on a range of challenging ideas. Course Content: English language skills are taught in an integrated way, complementing and supporting the English Literature course. Pupils will read a choice of modern fiction, a Shakespeare text, poetry, a range of non-fiction texts including speeches, adverts and autobiographical journals. More confident learners will study Latin as part of their English Curriculum. The addition of Latin provides further enrichment and enhances learners’ understanding of language development, with a view to taking the language onto GCSE if they choose to. Other curriculum opportunities such as participating in a Shakespeare workshop, viewing a production or analysing speeches by famous historical figures and politicians broadens pupils’ cultural experiences further. Course Skills: Reading skills of inference, analysis and evaluation. Writing to persuade and argue and develop a distinctive voice. Writing creative texts including stories and descriptions. Spoken language presentation skills. English Language GCSE and English Literature GCSE The English curriculum is taught as an integrated course. However, pupils will be entered for GCSE English Language and Literature as two discrete qualifications and pupils will be entered for both GCSEs. English Language GCSE: Pupils follow the AQA course for GCSE English Language. Pupils will build on the skills of reading and writing they have been developing throughout their time at The Westgate School, but now it will be much more tailored to the demands of the exam. Pupils will continue to develop as critical readers with a focus on the skills of inference, analysis and evaluation and comparison. They will read a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, both contemporary and from the nineteenth century. Assessment: The English Language GCSE is assessed through two linear exams, both worth 50% of the course: Paper 1 Explorations in creative reading and writing Paper 2 Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives Pupils are given practice GCSE assessments at the end of each unit. English Literature GCSE: Pupils follow the AQA course for GCSE English Literature. They will read a nineteenth century novel, either: ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ by Robert L Stevenson, ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, or ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley. They will also study a modern text: either ‘Lord of the Flies’ or ‘An Inspector Calls’ and a range of pre and post 1914 poetry on the theme of Power and Conflict, and ‘Macbeth’. Please note: texts are subject to change according to exam board review. Assessment: The English Literature GCSE is assessed through two linear exams: ‘Shakespeare and the Nineteenth Century text’ worth 40%. ‘Poetry and Modern Texts’ worth 60% of the course. Pupils are given practice GCSE assessments at the end of each unit. Home Learning: Pupils are expected to complete Home Learning every week. Usually this should take one hour. Home Learning will be set as a variety of tasks including reading tasks in preparation for the lesson, language analysis, and the completion of written tasks. Exam Board AQA 8700 - English Language Exam Board AQA 8702 - English Literature Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum
- Computing Club
An opportunity to speak and explore the field of Computing. Computing Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Computing Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details An opportunity to explore the field of Computing. - Develop your programming skills - Work with Robots - learn about 3d modelling and animation - Explore the world of AI & machine learning - Develop your Digital leadership skills (would you like to become a school Digital Leader?) Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go
- Flute and Clarinet Ensemble
The Flute and Clarinet ensemble is open to all players of Flute and Clarinet. Flute and Clarinet Ensemble Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Flute and Clarinet Ensemble Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details The Flute and Clarinet ensemble is open to all players of Flute and Clarinet. The ensemble aims to develop confidence in the player whilst playing with others. A variety of music will be played in rehearsals from simple tunes to four part pieces. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go
- Art - Flying Colours
Become a budding artest and join the art club. Art - Flying Colours Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Art - Flying Colours Internal / External External Age Range Year R - 6 Contact Ann Selman Art Clubs – Flying Colours Education Discover the Joy of Creativity: Join Our School Art Club! Are you ready to unleash your inner artist and explore the world of creativity? Our School Art Club is the perfect place for you! Here’s why you should join: 1. Express Yourself Creatively: Dive into a variety of art forms and let your imagination run wild. Whether you love painting, drawing, sculpting, or digital art, our club offers the tools and space to express your unique vision. 2. Learn and Grow: Our club is a fantastic opportunity to develop your artistic skills. Learn new techniques, experiment with different mediums, and receive guidance from experienced mentors and fellow art enthusiasts. 3. Relax and Unwind: Art is a wonderful way to de-stress and take a break from the hustle and bustle of school life. Spend time creating beautiful pieces and enjoy the calming effects of artistic expression. 4. Make New Friends: Join a community of like-minded students who share your passion for art. Collaborate on projects, share ideas, and build lasting friendships in a supportive and inspiring environment. 5. Boost Your Confidence: Showcase your artwork in school exhibitions and events. Gain confidence as you see your skills improve and receive positive feedback from peers and teachers. 6. Explore Cultural Diversity: Discover art from different cultures and historical periods. Broaden your horizons and appreciate the rich tapestry of global artistic traditions. 7. Build Your Portfolio: If you’re considering a future in the arts, our club provides a great platform to build a strong portfolio. This can be invaluable for college applications and career opportunities in the creative field. 8. Have Fun!: Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy the process of creating, experimenting, and sharing your art with others. Our club is all about fostering a love for the arts in a fun and engaging way. This is an external club run by an Art Education Company with experienced primary school teachers. There is a cost for this club of £160 per term. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go
- Volleyball
Join our school volleyball club to stay fit, build teamwork skills, make new friends, and compete in exciting matches. All skill levels welcome. Volleyball Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Volleyball Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 9 - 10 Contact See EduLink for further details Are you ready to spike your way to fun and fitness? The School Volleyball Club is looking for enthusiastic players of all skill levels to join our team! Why Join? Stay Active and Healthy : Volleyball is a fantastic way to stay fit, improve your agility, and build strength. Team Spirit : Experience the thrill of working together as a team. Volleyball is all about communication, cooperation, and camaraderie. Skill Development : Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, our club offers coaching and practice sessions to help you improve your game. Make New Friends : Meet new people and make lasting friendships with fellow pupils who share your passion for volleyball. Compete and Have Fun : Participate in exciting matches and tournaments. Enjoy the competitive spirit and the joy of playing the game. Stress Relief : Take a break from your studies and enjoy a fun, stress-relieving activity that keeps you energized. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go
- Squash
Join the squash club for exciting matches, skill improvement, and great camaraderie! Open to all levels. Squash Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Squash Internal / External External Age Range Year 2 - 6 Contact alexphillips@winchesterracquetsandfitness.net We have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to have a Westgate school only club provided to us from The Winchester Racquets and Fitness Club. Please email for more details. Mondays 3.30-4.15pm - Y2-6 squash Wednesdays 3.30-4.15pm - Y2-6 squash Thursdays 3.30-4.15pm - Y2-6 squash Fridays 3.30-4.15pm - Y2-6 squash Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go
- Sewing Bee
Sewing Bee Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Sewing Bee Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 9 Contact See Edulink for details All welcome! Come and learn to sew something simple. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go
- All Things Fantasy Football
Join the Westgate Fantasy Football club and discuss all things football. All Things Fantasy Football Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings All Things Fantasy Football Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Joining a fantasy football club is a fantastic way to enhance your enjoyment of the sport and connect with others who share your passion. Here are some compelling reasons to join: Build New Friendships : Fantasy football clubs are a great way to meet new people and form lasting friendships. The shared excitement and competition create strong bonds among members. Engage with the Game : Fantasy football adds a new layer of excitement to watching games. Sharpen Your Skills : Managing a fantasy football team involves strategy, research, and decision-making. It’s a fun way to improve your analytical skills and deepen your understanding of the sport. Friendly Competition : Competing against friends. Stay Updated : Being part of a fantasy football club keeps you informed about player performances, injuries, and team news. It’s a great way to stay engaged with the latest happenings in the football world. Enjoyment and Entertainment : Above all, fantasy football is about having fun. It’s a great way to enjoy the sport you love in a new and interactive way. So why not give it a try? Join a fantasy football club today and experience the excitement and camaraderie for yourself! Have you thought about which league you might want to join? Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go
- Chess Club
Joining a chess club is a smart move! It’s a great way to enhance your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Chess Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Chess Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Joining a chess club is a smart move! It’s a great way to enhance your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. You’ll meet fellow enthusiasts, engage in challenging matches, and be part of a community that shares your passion for the game. Plus, it’s a fun and intellectually stimulating way to spend your time. Checkmate Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go
- Charity Group
Come and find out how we can make a real difference to charities in our locality and across the world. We are a very active group , with lots of members. Charity Group Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Charity Group Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Come and find out how we can make a real difference to charities in our locality and across the world. We are a very active group , with lots of members. We fundraise and help the school consider other people in need as well as animals. Lots of opportunities to suggest ideas, fund raise in all sorts of ways, organise events, do publicity, give assemblies, work with Lower School and meet new people. We meet in A10 every fortnight 1.15 to 1.45. Bring your lunch and come and join us. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go
- CHILLAX
Discover tranquility and focus with our CHILLAX club. CHILLAX Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings CHILLAX Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Discover tranquility and focus with our CHILLAX, designed especially for pupils. Join us to enhance your well-being, improve concentration, and find your inner calm amidst the school hustle. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go











