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Senior School Newsletter

Welcome to our weekly update, where we celebrate the breadth of school life at Westonbirt. Each edition offers a snapshot of the learning, achievements and wider opportunities that define our community. This week’s edition is an enrichment week special!

Lesson spotlight: chemical reactions

This week in Science, Year 8 have been exploring how to identify the signs of a chemical reaction. In a practical experiment, they reacted magnesium with hydrochloric acid, observing the bubbling and fizzing as hydrogen gas was produced. They then tested the gas with a lit splint, hearing the characteristic ‘pop’ that confirmed hydrogen was present.

A great opportunity for students to see, hear and experience the evidence of a chemical reaction for themselves!

 

 

A new chapter for our dancers!

There is lots to celebrate in Dance at Westonbirt this year, with the opening of our brand-new dance studio creating exciting new opportunities for students across the school.

For the first time in several years, Dance is now available in every year group. All students in Years 7 and 8 experience Dance as part of their lessons, while students in Years 9–13 have the opportunity to continue developing their skills by choosing the subject.

The new studio provides a fantastic, spacious environment in which students can explore movement, creativity and performance. Pictured are some of our Year 7 students enjoying a lesson in the new space as they learn about the Hand Jive.

It is wonderful to see Dance growing at Westonbirt, and we are excited to see how students make the most of the opportunities this new space and expanded curriculum will bring.

 

Co-curricular Fair

This Monday, our pupils explored the huge range of clubs and activities on offer at Westonbirt at our co-curricular fair. From Greenpower, Space and Rocketry to card games for our Sixth Form pupils, there is something to spark every interest and curiosity.

We can’t wait to see our co-curricular programme get back into full swing next week!

Industry insight: Design careers

Our Year 11 GCSE 3D Design students welcomed Chris Patterson, an architect and developer working for Emaar Developments, to hear about his career and current work in Dubai. Chris has worked around the world on a diverse range of projects, from residential developments and hotels to skyscrapers and public buildings, including work connected to some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.

He also shared his experiences of working in conflict and post-conflict regions, helping to rebuild schools, public facilities and infrastructure. Chris encouraged students to consider the many opportunities available within the design industry, from architecture and product design to engineering and urban planning.

A fascinating insight into the breadth of possibilities a career in design can offer, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through creative work.

Boarding

Our boarders have had a busy week, with plenty to enjoy both in and out of the boarding houses. They enjoyed a trip to Giffords Circus last weekend, as well as baking activities, a boarders’ quiz and Saturday night party food to celebrate Miss Morrish’s birthday.

It’s lovely to see our boarding community making the most of time together and creating plenty of memories along the way.

 

Sport

It’s been another action-packed week in sport at Westonbirt, with fixtures across a range of teams. You can view the full set of fixtures and results here.

Summer of Sport

The Summer of Sport continues, with plenty of pupil sporting success to celebrate!

  • Casey, Year 11 – Golf: A fantastic summer of golf, including 1st place at Cotswold Edge, 2nd at Torquay and 3rd at both Clevedon and Long Ashton. Casey also won two club championships – the Victory Cup and F Hinds Salver – and competed against fields of up to 150 adults.
  • Rodrigo, Year 10 – Football: Won the 2026 International Torrevieja Cup in the Infantil category with his team, CDO Hortaleza.
  • Jasmine, Year 10 – Equestrian: Won her section at the Naf Pony Club Regional Championships at Rectory Farm, qualifying for the regional championship ride-off where she placed 7th.
  • Jude, Year 12 – Tennis: Qualified for Wimbledon through the Road to Wimbledon competition, going on to compete in the doubles tournament in August.
  • Darcie, Year 8 – Hockey: Helped Cirencester Hockey Club win the U12 Gloucestershire County Cup, before finishing 3rd in the West of England finals.
  • Imogen, Year 6 – Hockey: Captained Cirencester Hockey Club’s U10 Gloucestershire County Cup-winning team, who went on to win the West of England finals. Teammates Alexandra Millard and Georgia Hewitt, also Year 6, were part of the winning squad.

 

 

 

Submit your Stories

We always love to hear about achievements and moments of teamwork or collaboration. If you would like to share something, please email marketing@westonbirtschool.uk.

 

 

 

Contact

Prep: +44 (0)1666 881400
Senior: +44 (0)1666 880333
Email us
Westonbirt School, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QG

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