Withernsea High School

On Monday 6th July, Withernsea High School held its annual Sports Day, with students from Years 7 to 10 taking part in a programme of sporting activities across the school site.

This year’s event followed England’s World Cup match against Mexico in the early hours, with the tournament providing inspiration for the day’s theme. Tutor groups represented different countries, with students wearing colours, bringing flags and creating decorations to represent their teams.

The event focused on participation, teamwork and competition, with students taking part in a range of activities designed to encourage collaboration, resilience and communication. Events included athletics challenges, football, Capture the Flag, Retro Races and the traditional whole-school Tug of War competition.

Students began the day in tutor groups before moving through a series of events organised by year group. Years 7 and 8 took part in the Super Six athletics challenge, while Years 9 and 10 competed in football and Retro Races alongside Capture the Flag activities. The event concluded with the Tutor Challenge and closing ceremony, where the results were announced.

Jamie Hughes, Head of Sport and Performance, said: “Sports Day was a fantastic opportunity for students to come together, represent their tutor groups and take part in a wide range of activities. It was brilliant to see so many students embracing the event, trying new challenges, supporting each other and celebrating the achievements of their peers.

“The atmosphere throughout the event was a real reflection of the teamwork, enthusiasm and determination shown by students across all year groups. The World Cup theme added an extra element of excitement, with tutor groups proudly representing their chosen countries and bringing plenty of energy to the competition.

“The closing ceremony was a great way to finish the event, recognising the efforts and achievements of students and celebrating everything that made Sports Day a memorable occasion.”

Headteacher Mark Crofts added: “It was probably the best Sports Day I have seen at this school. The level of engagement from students, and the way tutor groups worked together, was fantastic. The morning was focused and well organised, with students taking part in a range of activities with really high levels of participation, enjoyment and enthusiasm.

“As the event moved into the afternoon, the competitive element increased, building towards the traditional whole-school Tug of War, which was a brilliant way to bring everyone together and finish the competitions.

“Across the whole event, the organisation was impeccable and the students were incredibly responsible and respectful. What stood out most was the sense of belonging – seeing students supporting each other, celebrating achievements and being part of something together.

“The World Cup theme and England’s victory in the early hours of the morning added to the occasion, and it was great to see students embracing that with such positivity. It was a day filled with enjoyment, teamwork and a real demonstration of our school values in action.”

RESULTS

Year 7

First: 7NRI

Second: 7EF

Third: 7ACU

Year 8

Joint First: 8AE and 8MEL

Third: 8AKI

Year 9

First: 9HAN

Second: 9KHO

Third: 9CZU

Year 10

First: 10EJ

Second: 10CAT

Third: 9CWO

Staff members from Withernsea High School have walked the Ullswater Way to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

On Saturday, 4th July, a team of ten walked the 20-mile circular route around Ullswater in the Lake District alongside a colleague who continues to benefit from the care and support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Ullswater Way is the latest in a series of annual fundraising events organised by the school. In 2024, staff and students took part in sponsored 10K events, raising £2,856 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Last year, staff completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, raising a further £1,390 for the charity.

This year's group included a mix of returning participants and first-time walkers, with several staff members having now completed all three fundraising challenges.

Teacher of Sport Emma Jesney said: “It was really special to be part of such a supportive group of colleagues who have become great friends. When the walk got tough, you just reminded yourself why you were doing it, and that made every step worthwhile. 

“Three or four of us have now taken part in all three challenges, the Hull 10K, the Yorkshire Three Peaks and the Ullswater Way, alongside some first-time participants who wanted to challenge themselves. They all said they can't wait until next year and the next challenge.”

So far, this year's Ullswater Way fundraiser has raised £807, taking the total amount raised by Withernsea High School staff and students for Macmillan Cancer Support over the past three years to £5,053.

The charity provides emotional, practical, physical and financial support to people living with cancer and their families. The charity is almost entirely funded by voluntary donations, with 98% of its income coming from fundraising and public support. 

In its latest annual reporting, Macmillan estimated it reached 2.4 million people affected by cancer, including approximately 700,000 people through its nurses, support workers and palliative care teams, while a further 484,000 people accessed support through its helpline, online community and information services.

Anyone wishing to support this year's fundraising efforts can make a donation by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/page/emma-jesney-2

A group of Year 10 students recently represented the school at a regional dance showcase, performing as part of a national programme celebrating young talent.

The students took part in Schools' Gotta Dance 2026, a three-night showcase held at the University of Hull's Middleton Hall. Performing on Wednesday, 1st July, they joined pupils from The Marvell College, St Mary's College, several primary schools and local dance academies in celebrating dance talent from across the region.

Jamie Hughes, Head of Sport and Performance, said: “This was the first time this group of students had taken part in Hull Schools' Gotta Dance, and it was fantastic to see them sharing the stage with such a wide range of young performers. 

“The whole Year 10 dance class was invited to perform and, although two students were unfortunately unable to take part on the day, the nine who performed represented the school brilliantly. They were extremely well organised, rehearsed thoroughly and delivered a confident performance.

“They performed the same piece they showcased during our school dance show in January, which was inspired by the theme of Hull Fair. It was great to hear the audience clapping and cheering along to the music, creating a fantastic atmosphere throughout their performance.”

The routine, based on the sights, sounds and energy of Hull Fair, was first performed during the school's annual dance showcase in January.

Schools’ Gotta Dance is a non-competitive performance programme that runs throughout the academic year, giving dancers of all ages and abilities the opportunity to perform in professional theatre venues across the UK. Organised by Staffordshire-based SSPA Events, the programme, together with its sister event Gotta Sing, aims to encourage young people to develop their confidence and performance skills through live performance.

The latest series of events concluded in Hull last week. The tour will resume in Redditch in November before returning to Hull in June 2027, with events scheduled nationwide through to 2028.

On Thursday 25th June, a group of Year 7 and 8 students visited Hull New Theatre to watch the live stage production of Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors.

The visit was a reward for some of the highest-performing historians in Key Stage 3, recognising their excellent attitude to learning, consistent homework completion and strong assessment results throughout the year.

The production explored key events and figures from the Tudor period, including Richard III and the Princes in the Tower, Henry VIII and his six wives, and Elizabeth I's reign and the defeat of the Spanish Armada. The performance combined comedy, music, audience participation and 3D visual effects to present topics studied by the students during the summer term.

During the second act, members of the audience wore 3D glasses as part of a series of immersive scenes featuring visual effects linked to the Tudor period.

Clare Atkin, Head of History and Second in Humanities, said: “We had a brilliant day at Hull New Theatre watching the Horrible Histories production of The Terrible Tudors. An enthusiastic team of actors managed to cover our entire half-term's syllabus on the Tudors in two hours. 

“Our students' behaviour was exemplary. The theatre staff commented on how polite and considerate they were. It's a privilege to see our students enjoying History outside of the classroom and being rewarded for consistently completing their homework, achieving Blues in their assessments and having the top scores for Attitude to Learning in their reports.”

Year 8 student Reese F said: “The trip was really good. The songs were very catchy and the jokes made us laugh. My favourite part was when we had the 3D goggles and objects were bursting out of the dungeon.”

Bethany H, Year 7, added: “It was a really enjoyable day, with lots of interesting facts mixed with plenty of funny moments for us to enjoy.”

Fellow Year 7 student Logan S said: “The actors were very good and funny, and the songs were great. One of the 3D scenes made it feel as though we were aboard an English ship fighting against the Spanish Armada. In another scene, a skull appeared to come towards the audience, while a firework seemed to fly directly at us.”

The visit provided students with the opportunity to experience topics studied in the classroom through a live theatre performance, complementing their learning on the Tudor period.

Withernsea High School’s Year 11 students marked the end of their secondary education with a prom at Hull’s MKM Stadium on Friday, 26th June. 

In keeping with tradition, many students gathered at the school before the event to pose for photographs with family and friends before travelling to the venue in a variety of hired vehicles, including trucks, tractors, motorbikes, a fire engine and sports cars.

Sadie Daley, Head of Year 11 and event organiser, said: “It was a fantastic evening, and everyone had a great time. The students looked amazing and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Many left saying it was even better than they had expected. Their behaviour throughout the evening was exceptional and they were a real credit to the school.

“I'd like to thank Mrs Woodruff, Mrs Elvidge and Mrs Hopper for all their help in organising the event. I would also like to thank local business Vic Baked, who kindly donated cookie pie, buns and rocky road. The dancefloor was busy throughout the evening, and it was wonderful to see the students enjoying themselves. Congratulations also to our Prom King and Queen, Aron T and Olivia B."

The evening featured the fourth annual Lighthouse Awards, which recognise students' personalities, talents and memorable moments from their time at the school.

Sadie added: “From Max C being named the student 'most likely to become Prime Minister' and Jenson P being 'most likely to forget his own birthday', to Florence D being 'most likely to find a cure for a disease' and Charlotte W being 'most likely to go viral by accident', the Lighthouse Awards gave us the opportunity to celebrate our students and the unique qualities they have each brought to the year group.”

Headteacher Mark Crofts said: “There was a positive and upbeat atmosphere of celebration, and the students were impeccably behaved throughout. The prom committee had much to be proud of in delivering another excellent event. My thanks extend to them all.

“I am sure our Year 11 students have ended their high school years with greater confidence in their abilities, increased resilience, and are better equipped to face future challenges. We hope their eyes have been opened to the possibilities of what they can achieve in life.

“My wish for them all, whatever path they take from here, is that they seek out every opportunity life offers and have the confidence to make brave and exciting choices. This is the end of one phase, but also the beginning of a new and exciting chapter. Good luck and best wishes to them all.”

PHOTOS: All images courtesy of Terry Bearpark. A selection of these photos will be published in the 2nd July edition of The Holderness and Hornsea Gazette.

A new year-long programme is giving young people in Withernsea and the surrounding area the opportunity to discover new talents, build confidence and gain valuable real-world experience through creativity, culture and human rights education.

'Start Somewhere… in Withernsea' is open to young people aged 11 to 17. Over 12 months, participants will take part in monthly Saturday creative workshops, visits to arts and cultural organisations, a dedicated careers event and two-day work placements with local organisations.

Designed to broaden horizons and raise aspirations, the initiative will encourage young people to step outside their comfort zone, meet new people, develop creative and leadership skills, and gain a greater understanding of future education and career opportunities. They will also work alongside professional artists and creative practitioners while experiencing places and opportunities they may never have considered before.

Alongside developing practical skills and confidence, participants will explore the life and legacy of Mary Wollstonecraft, the pioneering 18th-century writer and philosopher whose work helped lay the foundations for modern ideas of equality and human rights. They will also learn about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, encouraging them to understand their rights, value their voice and become active members of their communities.

The initiative is being delivered by the Mary Wollstonecraft Society, which uses creativity and education to promote equality, inclusion and human rights.

Monthly sessions take place on Saturdays from 11.15am to 3.15pm, beginning on Saturday, 11th July, at the Meridian Centre in Withernsea.

For more information or to sign up, contact the Mary Wollstonecraft Society at admin@wollstonecraftsociety.org.

Following the success of previous events, the Sport and Performance Faculty is delighted to present its fourth annual Performing Arts Summer Showcase on Wednesday 8th July. 

After three successful years at Hull University's Middleton Hall, this year's showcase will be held in Withernsea High School's Main Hall for the first time.

The evening celebrates the incredible talent, creativity and collaboration of our students, featuring a programme of performances from the Music, Dance and Drama departments.

Admission is £3.00 per person, payable on the door. The performance will begin at 6.00pm.

Refreshments will be available to purchase from the school's PTFA, with all proceeds supporting the Parents, Teachers and Friends Association.

We warmly invite you to join us for an evening showcasing the talent and creativity of our students.