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.
Algorithms are all around us, often without us even noticing. We follow them when we use recipes, build Lego models or assemble flat-pack furniture, and even when we simply move from room to room. On a larger scale, algorithms power weather predictions, shape what we see on social media and help us navigate the world through tools such as Google Maps.
As part of the OCR GCSE Computer Science course, students learn what algorithms are, how to write them and how to refine them. To bring this to life, Year 10 students have been developing their understanding through an unexpected medium… balloon modelling! While a little noisy, it is great fun and a brilliant way to apply algorithms and wider computational thinking in a hands-on format. The areas it links to are:
This week, we are shining a light on Mrs Gill’s Reading Club. The club offers pupils a chance to celebrate the joy of reading, step away from their screens, and enjoy a genuine digital detox. It is a calm, welcoming space where pupils can slow down and immerse themselves in a good book.
Current reads in rotation include novels such as Breakdown by Sarah Mussi and The Eights by Joanna Milller, which has a fascinating link to Westonbirt. Set in the 1920s, the story follows the first women admitted to St Hugh’s College, Oxford – a destination chosen by many early Westonbirt graduates in the 1930s. Their names can still be found in our Marble Hall.
Next term, the club is considering beginning a group novel next term, providing plenty of opportunities for lively discussions and thoughtful debate.
Our Year 8 scientists were treated to a talk on The Stories from Nowhere Wood from Dr Neil Ingram, former Head of Science at Clifton College and recently retired PGCE Science Lead at the University of Bristol. The session gave students the chance to explore science through the lens of natural history and to appreciate the wonderful wildlife found in our own surroundings. They were particularly captivated by the incredible adaptations of woodpecker skulls and how these have inspired innovations such as modern crash helmet design.
If you would like to explore more of Dr Ingram’s stories, you can find them here: https://blog.neilingram.co.uk/
We are delighted to share that Lulu S, William C and Alexandra S have all secured places in the final round of the ISA Shakespeare Monologue Competition. The finals will be held at the Stantonbury Theatre in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 22 April, where each pupil will perform their monologue once again in front of a live audience. We are immensely proud that they will be representing Westonbirt at this nationwide competition.
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from one of Westonbirt’s music scholars, Max W. Following his success in winning the Toolroom Artist Development Scholarship last year, Max has now been signed to Mark Knight’s Fools Paradise record label. His debut track, a collaboration with iconic house vocalist Inaya Day, has been released today! Max and Inaya wrote the track together, with Max taking full lead on production during a recent studio session at Toolroom HQ. This marks a fantastic milestone in his musical journey and a remarkable achievement for one of our young scholars.
To celebrate the release, Max has also been invited to appear on KISS FM on Friday 3 April, where he will share a three-song mix and chat with the presenter as a guest producer. The show will include the first radio play of his new track. We are so proud of Max and his continued success – you can stream the new release [here].
This week, Westonbirt took two teams to the Rosslyn Park National Rugby 7s, competing against over 200 schools in each age group.
The U18s faced strong opposition from New Hall School, Robert Gordon’s College and Rodillian Academy. While results didn’t go their way, the team impressed with quick ball distribution, supportive running lines, and strong teamwork and resilience throughout.
The U14s opened with a narrow defeat but bounced back with a convincing win over Thames Christian School, finishing their pool with a hard-fought match against Taunton School that showed growing confidence and competitive spirit.
Across both age groups, Westonbirt players displayed commitment, skill, and camaraderie, returning with valuable experience and memories. The school can be proud of their performance and how they represented Westonbirt on a national stage.
We are delighted to share some wonderful news from our lacrosse department. Mary J (Year 12) has been selected for the U20 Scotland Lacrosse squad and will be competing at this year’s Home Internationals from 10 to 12 April.
This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to Mary’s skill and hard work. We send her our warmest congratulations and wish her every success at the internationals. Westonbirt will be cheering her on!
This week KS3 pupils enjoyed interactive lessons with PC Leah Davis, a youth engagement officer from Gloucestershire Constabulary. The talks covered important topics including online safety, the potential risks of social media, and relationship safety, using real-life scenarios and examples to educate and empower our young people, helping them to understand potential risks, and how to respond when problems arise, including where to find support for particular situations.
Thank you to PC Davis for visiting Westonbirt, and supporting our pupils’ safety!
This term, our Athletic Development programme has continued to support every pupil, from those enjoying recreational activity to those pushing towards elite performance or working through rehabilitation. Each sport has a dedicated programme, and scholars have been making the most of the TeamBuilder app to track their progress and engage with personalised development plans.
Athletic Development is designed to build good habits both in the gym and on the field, supporting competitive sports, games, and co-curricular activity. Pupils have embraced new challenges, developed their skills, and strengthened teamwork, resilience, and fitness along the way. Check out the Summer Term programme to explore the full range of co-curricular sessions available.
Last year, the computer science department invested in a 3D printer to bring the incredible opportunities of 3D design directly into the classroom. With both teachers having experience with 3D printing at home, we wanted to share the experience with students: imagining an object, creating it virtually, and then holding it in your hand is an incredibly powerful learning moment.
This term, Year 9 have had the opportunity to design and create functional 3D-printed lamps. We have been hugely impressed with the students’ work, which showcased a wide range of creative approaches and problem-solving skills. It has been a real joy to see how engaged pupils have been throughout the project and to celebrate their finished 3D-printed creations.
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.
It has been another busy week in boarding as we approach the end of term!
Sedgwick boarders have been playing rummikub and Uno Flip, as well as trying their hand at baking. Beaufort and Gloucester enjoyed Saturday night treats while watching the second episode of Seven Dials – spotting some familiar Westonbirt spaces made it even more fun.
Boarders also ventured out for mini golf, and our Dorchester crew enjoyed Easter crafts alongside an Easter egg hunt around their dorm. Wishing our boarding community a restful and enjoyable break!
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.
