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. We hope you enjoy reading this week’s highlights.
After the hard work put into revising for their mid-course exams, Year 12 classicists began learning a new course module with a tasty and surprisingly architecturally accurate gingerbread Greek temple, modelled on the Temple of Zeus at Olympia. Pupils were able to discuss and evaluate the relationship between ancient temple sculpture and theological beliefs before munching on a metope. This fun start to the lesson enthusiastically began the A Level Greek Religion module, which examines the origins, development and practice of Greek pagan belief through in-depth source analysis.
Our polo players are enjoying a fantastic Summer Term, with weekly training sessions taking place at the prestigious Beaufort Polo Club, located right next to Westonbirt School.
Established in 1872, Beaufort Polo Club is one of the UK’s leading polo venues, renowned for its outstanding facilities, rich sporting heritage and prestigious tournaments – providing the perfect setting for our pupils to develop their skills and passion for the sport.
Throughout the year, pupils of all ages take part in regular coaching and practice sessions in preparation for the Summer Term competition season.
On Monday, Andy Dunn from 100andFirst delivered the final external leadership training session of the year for our Year 12 pupils.
Through a series of interactive activities and engaging discussions, pupils were encouraged to reflect on their own motivations to lead, while developing a deeper understanding of both leadership and followership.
The session challenged pupils to consider their individual leadership styles and explore how being ‘above the line’ or ‘below the line’ can influence the effectiveness of leadership. They also examined the important role mindset plays in bringing others with you on your journey.
It was a thought-provoking and inspiring session, providing pupils with valuable insight as they continue to develop their confidence and leadership skills.
Congratulations to Felix in Year 7 on an incredible recent golfing achievement!
Competing in a Junior Cadet Championship, players teed off from the junior tees and aimed to see how far they could progress using just 35 shots. Felix delivered an outstanding performance, putting in on the 6th hole with a birdie and still having 12 shots remaining.
The second-placed competitor also finished on the 6th hole, making Felix’s achievement even more impressive. His result set a new club record, with previous championships only ever reaching halfway down the 7th hole.
A fantastic accomplishment – well done, Felix!
Congratulations to our Leiths School of Food and Wine pupils on their fantastic results this year. We are incredibly proud of all their hard work, dedication and achievements.
Distinction: Sophie H., Willa M., Amelia H., Jemima P., Tanem A. and Lucy L.
Merit: Esme F., Sienna G., Pandora L., Arabella M., Gabriel M., Petra N., George R., Poppy T., Millie C., Daisy G. and George W.
A huge well done to everyone involved on such an impressive set of results.
Our Year 9 DT pupils have been busy preparing for their upcoming end-of-term boat races by creating detailed isometric drawings of their boat hull designs.
Using these technical sketches as a starting point, pupils will go on to construct their boats using a range of materials, applying both creativity and practical problem-solving skills throughout the design process.
We look forward to seeing the finished builds take to the water at the end of term. Well done to all involved!
Westonbirt pupil Polly took part in a charity netball tournament today in support of CoppaFeel!, raising vital funds and awareness for breast cancer education.
Playing as part of the Hucclecote team, Polly and her teammates delivered a brilliant performance throughout the tournament, going on to win their age category. The team were awarded medals and lifted the overall winners’ cup!
A fantastic achievement both on and off the court – and a wonderful example of using sport to support such an important cause.
On Tuesday 12 May, our Year 7 to 9 swimmers proudly represented Westonbirt School at a swimming gala hosted by Cheltenham Ladies’ College, competing against both Cheltenham Ladies’ College and Cheltenham College Prep School.
The team produced some fantastic performances across the evening, with several standout results including the 4x25m U14 & U15 Medley Relay team of Darcey O., Lily B., Amelie K. and Amelie R-S. achieving 1st place, Darcey O. (Year 9) taking 1st place in the 50m Backstroke U14 & U15 in 34:18 and 1st place in the 50m Butterfly U14 & U15 in 33:55, Josephine B. (Year 8) securing 1st place in the 50m Breaststroke U13 in 49:33, Iona B. (Year 8) achieving 1st place in the 50m Freestyle U13 in 36:11 with Isabella B. taking 2nd place in 38:53, and Amelie R-S. (Year 9) taking 1st place in the 50m Freestyle U14 & U15 in 32:03.
A huge well done to all pupils involved. Their hard work and commitment at Senior Squad training continues to shine through, and these promising results are a fantastic reflection of their dedication.
Huge congratulations to Bluebell, who has reached the Final of West End Calling!
For her performance, Bluebell sang Little Miss Perfect from the musical Little Miss Perfect. The competition has already been an incredible experience, giving her the opportunity to build confidence, make new friends and perform alongside some of the strongest young performers in the country – many of whom already hold professional credits. The upcoming Final offers further exciting exposure, with casting directors invited to attend.
Founded by Alex James Ellison, West End Calling is a charity designed to replicate professional audition environments in a supportive setting, helping young performers gain valuable industry experience. This year marks its biggest competition yet, with hundreds of applicants progressing through heats, semi-finals and now into a highly competitive Final.
In her category alone, around 400 participants progressed from the heats, narrowing to 125 semi-finalists and now just 22 finalists – a fantastic achievement for Bluebell to be among them. The Final will be judged by West End professionals, with winners announced on the day
Our CCF cadets recently enjoyed an action-packed session of team building and leadership activities using Westonbirt School CCF’s new inflatable assault course.
The activities encouraged pupils to develop communication, resilience and leadership skills while working together to tackle a series of fun challenges.
Cadets also had the opportunity to try out the new archery kit in an exciting dodgeball-style tag activity, adding even more energy and teamwork to the session.
Boarders have enjoyed another busy and vibrant week of activities across the boarding houses.
The weekend brought relaxed pizza evenings, giving pupils the chance to unwind and spend time together with friends after a busy week. Meanwhile, a Sedgwick sleepover saw boarders take over the theatre for an exciting behind-the-scenes experience, exploring roles including lighting, stage management and sound.
Elsewhere, pupils embraced their creative side in Westonbirt School’s music studios, while the Dorchester boarders enjoyed their much-loved regular Food Tuesday buffet.
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..
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.
