Withernsea High School

Students from Withernsea High School have returned from a deeply moving and educational trip to the First World War battlefields of Belgium and northern France.

A total of 68 students took part in the three-day visit, designed to bring classroom learning to life through first-hand exploration of some of the most significant sites of the First World War. The trip, led by Assistant Headteacher Matt Burnitt, aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the conflict while encouraging reflection on its human cost.

“It was important for us to give students the opportunity to experience history beyond the classroom,” said Mr Burnitt. “Seeing these sites in person allows them to connect with the past in a way that textbooks simply cannot replicate.”

The journey began with an overnight coach trip and ferry crossing from Dover - an experience that proved memorable for many students, several of whom were travelling abroad for the first time. Despite the early start, spirits were high as anticipation built for the days ahead.

Upon arrival in Belgium, students visited Essex Farm, where they encountered their first stark reminders of the war’s devastation. The site, which includes preserved medical bunkers and a cemetery, provided a powerful introduction to the realities of frontline conditions. Students also paid their respects at the grave of Private Valentine Joe Strudwick, one of the youngest British soldiers to die in the war at just 15 years old.

“From the moment we arrived, students showed remarkable maturity and respect,” said Mr Burnitt. “They engaged thoughtfully with each site and demonstrated genuine empathy as they learned about the individuals behind the history.”

Throughout the trip, students visited a range of key locations around Ypres, including the Langemark German War Cemetery, Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood, and the In Flanders Fields Museum. These visits offered insight into both Allied and German perspectives, as well as the brutal conditions endured in the trenches.

A full day was dedicated to exploring sites connected to the Battle of the Somme in northern France. At the Thiepval Memorial, the largest Commonwealth memorial in the world, students reflected on the scale of loss, with more than 72,000 British and South African soldiers commemorated there with no known grave. Many students also undertook personal research, attempting to locate names linked to Yorkshire regiments or their own family histories.

“The visit to Thiepval was particularly impactful,” said Mr Burnitt. “It’s an overwhelming experience to stand in front of thousands of names and realise the scale of sacrifice.”

The trip concluded with attendance at the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, a daily act of remembrance held in honour of fallen soldiers. Two Withernsea students were given the opportunity to lay a wreath on behalf of the group, a moment described by staff as both poignant and unforgettable.

Student reflections highlighted the lasting impact of the experience. Dylan described several moments that left a strong impression, particularly encountering remnants of the battlefield firsthand. “The most memorable moment for me was finding a piece of rusty barbed wire near a crater,” he said. “I felt sad knowing thousands had died where I was standing.”

He also reflected on the scale and significance of the memorials visited during the trip. “The Somme memorial was amazing, and hearing the Last Post at the Menin Gate was a very poignant moment. Overall, the trip was really interesting, with lots of impressive monuments and buildings. On a personal level, it has made me want to go abroad more and see different countries.”

Others reflected on how the trip deepened their understanding of trench conditions and the realities of warfare. “It made me respect the impact of war more,” one student commented, while another described the atmosphere of the trenches as “eerie and dark.”

Despite the solemn nature of much of the itinerary, students also experienced elements of local culture, including a visit to a traditional Belgian chocolate shop, where they were able to purchase gifts for family and friends.

Reflecting on the educational and personal impact of the trip, Mr Burnitt added: “This was an excellent experience for both students and staff. It not only enhanced their historical knowledge but also encouraged reflection, empathy, and personal growth. We are hopeful that this will become a regular opportunity for future students.”

ABOVE: A moment of reflection at The Thiepval Memorial. 

 

ABOVE: Students experience the trenches at Sanctuary Wood, Hill 62. 

ABOVE: The Thiepval Memorial. 

 

ABOVE AND BELOW: Students paid their respects at Essex Farm. 

 

ABOVE: Ypres town centre. 

ABOVE: Memorial at the Lochnagar Crater - a crater created by a large mine detonated beneath the German front line. The explosion marked the beginning of the Battle of the Somme.

ABOVE: Canadian National Vimy Memorial

ABOVE: Despite the solemn nature of much of the itinerary, students also experienced elements of local culture, including a visit to a traditional Belgian chocolate shop, 

Year 10 students have completed a week of work experience, providing them with a valuable opportunity to explore potential career pathways through direct engagement with local employers.

More than ninety students independently sourced and secured placements across a wide range of industries, applying their classroom learning in real-world settings. The experience offered meaningful insight into the world of work, helping students understand the expectations of professional environments and the differences between school and employment.

Viki Foster, the school’s careers leader, said: “Work experience is an essential part of our careers programme. It plays a vital role in students’ development, helping to deepen their understanding of potential career routes and the opportunities available to them.

“Taking part increases their awareness of the local labour market and the employment opportunities in our area. It also allows them to explore job roles, ask meaningful questions, and learn about the skills and qualifications required by different employers.

“I was deeply impressed by how proactive our students were in securing their own placements. The ongoing support of local employers is invaluable - not only does it benefit our students, but it also enables businesses to engage with future talent and raise their profile within the community. We are extremely grateful to those who hosted placements this year, as well as to those already offering support for the future.”

While some students selected placements aligned with their future ambitions, others chose to explore unfamiliar fields, broadening their understanding of the opportunities available to them. Students embraced the opportunity to work across a broad range of sectors, including engineering and manufacturing, sport and physiotherapy, tourism and hospitality, motor vehicle services, architecture, early years and education, veterinary services, retail, agriculture, and construction.

Employers supporting this year’s placements included Martin Williams (Hull) Ltd, Centrica Energy Storage+, Phoenix Building Systems, the University of Hull Faculty of Health Sciences, Sykes Physiotherapy, RWE Renewables, Patrington Haven Leisure Park, The Deep, Balfour Beatty, and Gasco.

Ahead of their placements, all participating students attended a preparation session where expectations for behaviour and workplace engagement were clearly outlined. Each student received a handbook and detailed placement information, including a bespoke risk assessment. Additional support was provided by Education 2 Work, a specialist organisation that connects schools with employers and carries out essential health, safety and safeguarding checks.

Following their placements, students took part in a structured reflection session to review their experiences, consider newly developed skills, and begin planning their next steps, including one-to-one careers interviews and applications to post-16 education, training or employment pathways.

Meanwhile, to support those unable to secure placements independently, the school has partnered with local education charity Run With It to offer alternative workplace experiences. Around 30 students are participating in the programme, which provides insight into careers within the sports and events industry.

An initial group of 15 students visited the MKM Stadium during work experience week, where they enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour and explored the wide range of roles involved in running a large sporting venue. During the visit, they met staff including Hull City coach Andy Dawson, alongside professionals working in hospitality, media, operations and security, gaining valuable insight into both matchday and non-matchday activity, as well as the importance of safety, sponsorship and commercial operations.

A second group will take part in a similar experience at Craven Park, with these visits highlighting the breadth of career opportunities available within a single organisation.

Work experience forms a key part of the school’s “Ready for Work” programme, reflecting updated government guidance that recommends students complete a total of ten days’ work experience by the end of Year 11. While this does not need to take place in a single placement, the dedicated week for Year 10 offers a structured and meaningful introduction to the workplace, helping to shape and inform future aspirations.

The programme also aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks, a national framework of eight guidelines designed to enhance careers education in schools and colleges across England. These benchmarks emphasise the importance of first-hand workplace experiences, including visits, job shadowing and placements, to broaden career awareness and support the development of professional networks.

Students will have further opportunities to explore their options during the summer term, including college taster visits and targeted enrichment activities. Selected students will also take part in outreach opportunities with the University of Cambridge, aimed at raising aspirations, promoting Oxbridge pathways and challenging common misconceptions about higher education.

Employer engagement remains a central focus across the curriculum, and the school welcomes interest from local businesses keen to support future placements or build links with subject areas. For further information, contact Viki Foster at fosterv@wscampus.net or call 01964 611545.

ABOVE: Alfie undertook a placement at Centrica Energy Storage+.

 

ABOVE: Charlotte enjoyed a week of work experience at The Deep. 

ABOVE: Charles was on placement at Russells Agricultural Equipment and Groundcare Specialists in Owstwick. 

ABOVE: Izzy and Lilly spent the week at Holmpton's School House Nursery. 

ABOVE: Students pictured on a tour of the MKM Stadium as part of the 'Run With It' programme. 

The East Riding Mental Health Support Team is hosting a face-to-face Routines and Rhythms Workshop for parents and carers on Tuesday 12th May.

The event takes place in Withernsea High School’s HLC Building from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. 

The two-hour workshop will explore the importance of routines, boundaries and sleep in supporting children’s emotional and behavioural development. Parents and carers will gain a greater understanding of why consistent routines and clear boundaries matter, along with practical guidance on how to use them effectively to support their child’s wellbeing.

The session is open to parents and carers seeking tips and strategies to help create smoother routines and positive rhythms at home.

Book your FREE place online at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/routines-rhythms-sleep-a-parentcarer-workshop-tickets-1987062359006?aff=oddtdtcreator 

For more information, contact the Mental Health Support Team on 01482 205205, email hnf-tr.eymhst@nhs.net, visit www.connect.humber.nhs/mymhst, or follow @mymyhst on Instagram.

 

A new cycle repair station has been installed at Withernsea High School to support safe, active travel by enabling students to maintain their bikes.

Located within the school’s cycle shed, the station provides students with access to essential tools needed for basic bike maintenance and repairs. The initiative is expected to benefit the school’s existing community of cyclists, currently estimated at around 20 regular riders, with numbers anticipated to rise during the summer months.

The repair station is designed as an all-in-one solution for on-the-go maintenance. It includes a manual pump, a selection of securely fastened tools, including Allen keys and screwdrivers, and dedicated holders to stabilise bicycles during repairs. A recessed tray also allows users to keep smaller components organised while working.

Funding for the project was provided by the East Riding Road Safety team as part of their ongoing collaboration with the school. Withernsea High School successfully applied for the station following a proposal put forward by its Active Travel Ambassadors, a student-led group within the school’s Board for Change.

Nick Richmond, leader of the school’s Board for Change, welcomed the installation, describing it as a practical step towards empowering students. “This repair station is a great example of students helping to shape real improvements in our school community,” he said. “By giving cyclists access to the tools they need, we’re making it easier and more appealing for students to choose active travel.”

Students wishing to use the facility can borrow a key from either the HLC student reception or the main reception before or after school.

The installation forms part of a broader strategy to promote healthier, more sustainable travel choices. By equipping students with the tools to maintain their bicycles independently, the school aims to remove common barriers to cycling and foster greater confidence among young riders.

Withernsea High School’s sustained commitment to active travel has received national recognition, after it was named Regional Secondary School of the Year for Yorkshire and the Humber and progressed to the finals of the Modeshift STARS National Travel Awards in London. 

Modeshift, the organisation behind the STARS (Sustainable Travel Accreditation and Recognition for Schools) programme, supports schools in developing long-term strategies to reduce car use and increase active travel. 

The awards, held recently at The Royal Society, brought together representatives from education, business and healthcare sectors to celebrate excellence in sustainable travel. Representing Withernsea were Year 10 students Deborah W and Charles G, both Active Travel Ambassadors and members of the student-led ‘Board for Change’ - a group which plays an active role in the life of the school by working collectively to help make meaningful changes for the benefit of their peers.

Reflecting on the significance of the national recognition, Nick Richmond, leader of the school’s Board for Change, said: “Out of 24,500 schools in England, 1,101 achieved STARS Education accreditation in 2024/25. From those, just 20 schools were invited to this event and we were ranked among the top five secondary schools. Being part of that group was a significant achievement.

“Watching Deborah and Charles present in front of an audience of more than 200 people filled me with immense pride. Their presentation was focused, powerful and extremely well received. It reflected the journey we have been on over the past three and a half years, not only embedding meaningful change through active travel, but transforming students into confident young leaders ready to represent their school on a national stage.”

The presentation was delivered before an audience that included MPs and senior figures from national road safety and cycling organisations, as well as peers from other schools. Nick added: “The National Travel Awards provided a valuable platform to celebrate the progress we’ve made and to showcase the measurable impact of our student-led initiatives to other schools and key stakeholders.

“Everything we have done with active travel has built towards this moment. Our whole-school survey data shows a consistent increase in active travel among both students and staff. It was an opportunity to recognise that sustained impact and to highlight the positive difference active travel has made for our whole school community.”

Student ambassador Deborah W said: “The work we have collectively done has had a positive impact on attitudes towards active travel and on how it is perceived by students and staff at the school.”

Jason McAleese, Modeshift STARS programme officer (education), said the school’s national recognition reflected the dedication of both staff and students: “Reaching the national finals as a regional winner is a significant accomplishment, and the commitment shown by the students and staff at Withernsea High has been clear throughout. We look forward to seeing how the school continues to build on this success.” 

The students’ achievements were further acknowledged by Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart, who visited The Royal Society to congratulate them in person. “It was fantastic to meet students and staff from Withernsea High School at the awards ceremony in London and congratulate them on this well-earned success. We all know the roads outside schools can be far too busy, so it is encouraging to see more students walking and cycling to school. That means safer journeys, healthier habits and families saving money. Students told me more are cycling to school and the car park is quieter too. That is a record of real results and a real credit to everyone involved.”

Reflecting on the students’ experience, headteacher Mark Crofts said the national awards provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate the work of the school’s ambassador programme. “It was an honour for us to be represented at the travel awards. Deborah and Charles left Withernsea eager to share with other participants what made our school’s travel plan successful. They were excellent ambassadors for the school, delivering their presentation with confidence and showcasing the ambition and creativity of our students. Their engagement with MPs and delegates highlighted the wider impact of our Active Travel programme and the opportunities it provides for student leadership. Seeing our students recognised on a national stage is proof of the ambition and dedication that runs through our school community.” 

Now in its sixteenth year within education settings, and backed by funding from the Department for Transport and Active Travel England, Modeshift STARS has approved over 9,000 accreditation applications since its inception.

Nick Butler, chief operating officer for Modeshift, said: “STARS delivers measurable real-world impact. Accredited sites achieve meaningful modal shift, generating thousands of additional walking, wheeling and cycling journeys each day. These changes support healthier routines, safer streets, reduced congestion and lower carbon emissions. The STARS National Travel Awards celebrate this collective achievement, recognising excellence and inspiring continued action to enhance everyday journeys across England.”

Withernsea High School’s place at the travel awards followed its recognition in October 2025 as Regional Secondary School of the Year for Yorkshire and the Humber. Although narrowly missing out on the national title, the shortlisting reflected more than three years of sustained, evidence-based progress in promoting active travel and achieving measurable changes in travel behaviour.

The regional award built on earlier success in summer 2025, when the school became one of only three in England to receive an ‘outstanding’ accreditation through the STARS initiative - a scheme that supports schools in designing, delivering and evaluating strategies that encourage active travel. The outstanding accreditation is awarded to schools in recognition of a minimum of three years sustained progress in reducing car use and embedding active travel within the school community.  

At Withernsea High, data shows that increased walking and car sharing have resulted in a 50 per cent reduction in school-run car journeys. Staff have also contributed by using public transport, car sharing and active commuting options, leading to a 35 per cent reduction in regular car use.
Jason McAleese said: “Thanks to the commitment of the whole school community, Withernsea High has seen a clear modal shift, with fewer car journeys and increased uptake in active travel. This, alongside the school’s wider efforts to promote sustainable travel, resulted in their well-deserved outstanding accreditation. The scheme has been a success thanks to collaboration between the school, Modeshift, the East Riding Sustainable Transport Team and Active Withernsea - demonstrating that partnership working is key to meaningful change.”

Since 2023, Withernsea High has been one of several East Riding schools to recruit student ambassadors to promote active travel. The ambassadors guided the school through the STARS accreditation process and have led a wide range of initiatives, including road safety assemblies, bike health checks, equipment giveaways and support for primary school pupils with cycling activities.

Last year, 150 students took part in an immersive reality training experience designed to build confidence in on-road cycling. Delivered by East Riding Council’s Road Safety Team, the programme used tablet technology and 360-degree cyclist-perspective footage to simulate real-life road scenarios within the classroom.

Cycling has also been added to the PE curriculum, making Withernsea one of the first schools nationally to offer cycling as part of timetabled lessons. Funding from East Riding Council’s Sustainable Travel Team and Sport England enabled the purchase of 25 mountain bikes and secure storage facilities. Further support has included free bike servicing from cycle charity R-evolution, alongside lights and locks giveaways and helmet replacement initiatives to improve safety.

More recently, an ambassador presentation at County Hall in Beverley secured £350 to support the continuation of the school’s Active Travel Day - an annual event to reduce congestion around the school gates while promoting healthier and more sustainable travel choices. To date, ambassadors have secured £2,270 in funding from organisations including Modeshift and East Riding Council to help fund incentives and prizes to encourage and reward participation.  

This year’s event will take place during National School Sports Week, which launches on Monday July 6. Nick Richmond said: “We are looking forward to returning with our Active Travel Day in the summer term. The funding we have secured will support the continued success of the event, which has already contributed to an increase in sustainable travel across the school community.

“Last year, the event attracted around 200 participants, with more than 25 prizes awarded to those who walked, cycled, scooted, skated, car-shared or took part in ‘park and stride’. Students travelling by bus were also able to participate by demonstrating their sustainable journey to the bus stop. This year, we hope to build on that success and increase participation even further.”

 

 

 

A reminder that students return for the start of the summer term on Tuesday, 14th April.

Students must attend in full uniform: blazer, white shirt (tucked in), school tie, plain black trousers, and black polishable shoes. Optional school jumper may be worn under the blazer only. Coats are for outdoor use only.

Students must also have: pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, highlighter, pencil case, bag, plus their school-issued handbook.

Contact your child’s Head of Year if there are any issues with uniform or equipment. Students not meeting the expectations will not be in lessons until the issues have been resolved between school and home.

The East Riding Mental Health Support Team is hosting three upcoming workshops for parents and carers, offering practical advice and support to help children and young people with anxiety and key school transitions.

The first session, Understanding Anxiety, will take place face-to-face at Rosedale Community Centre (Preston Road, Hull) on 23rd April from 9.30am to 11.30am. This workshop will provide practical insights into recognising and managing anxiety in children and young people, along with strategies that parents and carers can use at home.

A second Understanding Anxiety workshop will be delivered online on 30th April from 5pm to 7pm, offering the same helpful guidance and practical tools in a virtual format.

The final session, the Parent Transition Workshop, will be held online on 21st May from 9.30am to 11am. This workshop will explore how school transitions, such as moving to a new year group or starting secondary school, can affect children’s wellbeing, and will provide practical advice on how to support them through periods of change.

All sessions are free to attend and open to parents and carers.

To book a place:

•    Understanding Anxiety: Face-to-Face (23rd April): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-anxiety-a-parentcarer-workshop-tickets-1983871347605?aff=oddtdtcreator 

•    Understanding Anxiety: Online (30th April): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-anxiety-a-parentcarer-workshop-tickets-1984613252663?aff=oddtdtcreator 

•    Parent Transition Workshop: Online (21st May): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1985734734044?aff=oddtdtcreator 

For more information, contact the Mental Health Support Team on 01482 205205 or email hnf-tr.eymhst@nhs.net.