Withernsea High School

To earn the scheme’s entry-level Bronze Award, the students were required to complete four sections: volunteering, physical, skills, and expedition. The physical section involved participating in a regular sport, dance, or fitness activity, with an emphasis on sustained effort and measurable personal improvement. The volunteering section encouraged participants to give their time to support community groups and organisations. In the skills section, students selected activities that enabled them to develop a new ability or deepen existing knowledge, building confidence and competence through consistent progress. The final component, the expedition, required students to plan, train for, and complete a self-sufficient two-day journey. Among the activities completed across the four sections since January 2024 were six months of horse riding for the physical section, drum lessons for the skills requirement, volunteering at a sailing club and with local Scout and Girlguiding groups, and an expedition in the Yorkshire Wolds. The group spent the early part of 2024 preparing for the expedition through a programme of weekly after-school training sessions focussed on map reading, basic first aid and outdoor skills, equipment use, and the Countryside Code.   Putting their knowledge into practice, the group undertook a trial expedition in June 2024, using their map-reading skills to follow approximately 18-miles of walking routes over two-days. This included a nine-mile walk to their campsite, where they were tasked with erecting tents and cooking their own meals using a portable outdoor Trangia stove. Building on the success of their trial expedition, the group followed a similar structure of distances and routines during their assessed expedition in July 2024.  Accompanying the team on both occasions was Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager, Laura Spenceley, who said: “The purpose of the expedition is to inspire young people to develop initiative and a spirit of adventure and discovery by completing an adventurous self-sufficient journey as part of a team. “The students did extremely well during their expeditions. We were very proud of the teamwork displayed, the initiative shown when they encountered challenges and the moral support they gave each other to complete each journey. On both occasions, it was clear the group had developed a new-found confidence, resilience, focus and sense of achievement.” Reflecting on their successful completion of the first level, Laura added: “Through the DofE Award, young people make friends, create memories and build confidence – all of which can benefit mental health. They gain skills and attributes for work and life, including problem-solving, teamwork and self-motivation. “I would like to congratulate the students on their commitment over the past 18 months. They have grown in confidence throughout and worked exceptionally well as individuals and as a team during the expedition. Each student’s DofE programme was personal to them, with each choosing their own activities in the skills, volunteering and physical sections. As a result of their hard work, they have all achieved an award that is recognised by leading employers and will help them stand out when applying for university or employment. They have done themselves proud.” Following the relaunch of the DofE Award programme at the school in 2024, the students have become the first cohort to achieve the entry level award. A second group of students undertook their expedition in June this year and will continue their progress throughout the summer and into the new academic year.   Following completion of the Bronze level, students may choose to continue to the award’s Silver and Gold levels. Both contain the same four sections as the entry-level award, but with extended timescales for each. The Gold level also introduces a fifth component – the ‘residential’ section – which encourages participants to undertake a shared activity or course with people they do not know, in a residential setting away from home and in an unfamiliar environment. For young people in South East Holderness, progression through the DofE Award scheme is available at Easington Youth Club every Monday evening from 6.00pm to 8.30pm. For further information about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, visit www.dofe.org   High school students 01: YOUNG ACHIEVERS: Left to right, Lucy, Olivia, Adam, Libby-Rose, Marianne, and Kiera with Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager, Laura Spenceley. [Photo Credit: Tim Nuttall]   High school students 02: Following a trial expedition the previous month, the group successfully completed their assessed expedition in July 2024. [Photo Credit: Laura Spenceley]  

The event involved students from Years 7 to 10 in a programme of inclusive and competitive sporting activities designed to promote participation and encourage teamwork.

Supported by staff, tutors, and the PE Department, the day featured a rotation of events organised by year group and held at various locations across the school site.

In the morning, Year 7 and 8 students participated in football, Panathlon, table tennis, and a dance workshop. At the same time, Years 9 and 10 took part in a fun run and a series of retro races, including the egg and spoon race and the sack race. After break, the groups rotated to ensure all students engaged in both sets of activities.

Afternoon activities included athletics for Years 7 and 8, with events such as the 100m, 200m, 400m, and relay races. Year 9 and 10 students competed in a tug of war, with teams of eight working together to earn points in a contest of strength.

The final event of the day brought all year groups together in the North Yard for the ever-popular Tutor Challenge, which put the tutors at the front and centre of the action. This was followed by a closing ceremony, during which the successes of the day were celebrated.

All events were structured to ensure broad participation. Football was played in a timed, round-robin format with rolling substitutions; Panathlon encouraged non-competitive, inclusive engagement in multiple activities; dance sessions were led by a professional instructor; and table tennis was played as timed doubles matches. Each event focussed on sportsmanship, teamwork, and active involvement.

A tuck shop operated throughout the day, offering sweets, drinks, and ice creams. All proceeds will go towards supporting the 2026 Year 11 Prom,

As always, the event was a resounding success and a perfect whole-school activity to celebrate the end of term.

Tasked with creating an outdoor seating area, the group worked throughout the day to dismantle 18 donated pallets of varying sizes. The timber was then cut to size, sanded, and painted as the first stage of the construction process.

Each of the eleven students involved contributed to the project, taking part in a range of practical tasks including lifting, sawing, chiselling, hammering, drilling, sanding, and painting.

The pallets were kindly donated by Martin Williams (Hull) Ltd, with additional materials and resources provided by the school.

The idea for the project originated from student discussions about how surplus pallets could be repurposed. From this, a plan was developed to turn the idea into a practical design challenge.

Throughout the day, several students expressed interest in taking part in more hands-on Design and Technology activities in the new academic year.

Back for the third year, the event, organised by the school’s Design Technology (DT) faculty, saw Year 10 students and two staff members take part in two baking challenges: a technical task and a showstopper round. Mrs Norris, Head of DT, said: “The standard was higher than ever before. Everyone worked hard, and they were polite, helpful, and fully engaged - it was just good fun!” In the technical round, participants were challenged to make eight Viennese Fingers – each 10cm long and 1.5cm wide, dipped in white chocolate at one end and milk chocolate at the other. Judges assessed the entries based on both taste and uniformity. This year’s showstopper challenge tasked students with creating a cake based on their future career ambitions. Entries included designs inspired by aspirations to become lawyers, chefs, farmers, dentists, and surgeons, among many others. Lexi F took the coveted ‘Star Baker’ award by winning the technical round and placing a close second in the showstopper challenge, impressing the judges with her standout lawyer-themed cake. Decorated with a gavel, books, scales of justice, and a briefcase, her entry not only showcased her baking skills but also her creativity and ambition. Judges included Headteacher Mr Crofts, who reportedly experienced a “major sugar rush before a meeting”, Head of Year Mrs Daley, and Attendance Officer Mrs Elvidge. Their task was made difficult by the high standard and variety of cakes, which featured flavours such as coffee, lemon, salted caramel, and multiple takes on the ever-popular Victoria sponge – resulting in a ‘battle of the Victoria Sponges.’! Special thanks were extended to Teacher of Food Miss Bircumshaw and technician Mrs Appleby, who played key roles in organising, ordering, and preparing the ingredients. Mrs Norris added: “Miss Bircumshaw redeemed herself after burning her cake last year – no incidents this time around! Last year, we even had an oven fire, but this year went off without a hitch.” Praising the students for their collective efforts, Mrs Norris said: “The students were impeccably behaved and fully embraced the challenge of the day, demonstrating excellent teamwork and consideration for others. A special mention must go to Max and Finlay for going above and beyond to support their peers and help keep the workspaces tidy. It was lovely to see everyone supporting one another. We were visited by a steady stream of well-wishers throughout the day - all keen to offer encouragement, while also trying to sneak off with a few biscuits! Congratulations to Lexi and all the participants on another hugely successful event.” A total of 24 students applied to take part by submitting a written application outlining their reasons for entering and their plans for a showstopper cake. From these, eleven were selected to compete.

The group were among the performers who appeared in ‘Hull Gotta Dance 2025’ – a three-night performance showcase held at the University of Hull’s Middleton Hall.  Performing alongside the WHS students on Wednesday, July 2, were dancers from The Marvell College, St Mary’s College, and a number of primary schools and dedicated dance academies.   For some of those taking part, the opportunity provided their first experience of live public performance; for others, it marked a welcome return to the stage. Head of creative arts and teacher of dance, Jamie Hughes, said: “It was an amazing evening and I’m very proud of all the dancers - especially our first-time performers who, despite being understandably nervous, danced with real confidence. Afterwards, they told me how proud they were to have taken part, and they are now looking forward to next year’s school dance show.    “The students performed a medley of Nowadays and Hot Honey Rag from the musical Chicago, with all the glitz and glamour you’d expect. This performance can count towards their professional repertoire - an element of their ongoing studies to secure the Vocational Award in Performing Arts. Students’ performances are mainly assessed in lessons, but many in the group have chosen to include this performance in their portfolio - testament to how proud they are of their performance, and rightly so. “For me personally, the evening offered a rare opportunity to sit with the students backstage and enjoy the buzz of the event. This is something, as an event organiser, I rarely get to experience. The Gotta Dance events are a fantastic platform for our young people and I’m delighted they fully embraced the opportunity and gave it their all on stage. “The students conducted themselves professionally throughout and were excellent role models to the other schools and younger aspiring dancers. Congratulations to Lily-May A, Savannah B, Pip B, Emma C, Florence D, Neve G, Rosie-May P, Poppy S, Ellie W and Charlotte W.” Running throughout the academic year, ‘Gotta Dance’ is a non-competitive performance showcase that provides opportunities for a range of ages and abilities to perform on the stages of professional venues around the country. The shows have no set theme, with any style or genre accepted. Pre-allocated slots allow a maximum of five minutes per dance. Organised by Staffordshire-based SSPA Events, ‘Gotta Dance’ and its ‘Gotta Sing’ counterpart inspire countless young people to take to the stage and perform in front of friends and family. Since September 2024, more than 50 events have been held across the country, including in Blackpool, Stafford, Crewe, Mansfield, Chesterfield, and Burnley. The most recent leg of performances concluded in Hull last week. The tour will resume in Redditch in November and is set to return to Hull in June 2026, with nationwide events currently booked through to 2028. Participation in the event came towards the end of a busy year for the school’s dance community, which included performances as part of creative arts showcase events held at the school in December, and more recently at Middleton Hall in June. A highlight of the year was a prestigious appearance at Disneyland Paris, which provided students with an international performance opportunity in a professional setting.    Jamie said: “It has been an incredible year, not only for our dancers but for the creative arts as a whole. Our final collaboration of the academic year will see some of our young musicians and dancers perform alongside the world-renowned Manchester Camerata orchestra – an opportunity that will once again place our students alongside professionals from the world of performance.” Upon students’ return in September, preparations for a whole-school dance show will begin. Led by the Year 11 dance group as part of their course requirements, the show will be staged at Middleton Hall in January 2026. Following the success of this year’s school production, ‘Popstars – the 90s musical’, planning is already in progress for another musical in spring 2026.   PHOTOS High school students 01: Leaping into the spotlight, Year 10 dancer Neve made a gravity-defying move on stage. [Photo Credit: SSPA Events] High school students 02: The group received praise for their ‘confident’ performance. [Photo Credit: SSPA Events] High school students 03: Head of creative arts and teacher of dance, Jamie Hughes, with the Year 10 dance group at Middleton Hall. [Photo Credit: Withernsea High School]

Using kinetic sand to create moulds, students poured molten pewter to shape their designs, later refining their creations through a range of techniques. The project introduced students to cross and draw filing, with the goal of achieving a shiny, reflective surface. Despite the additional challenge of working in the summer heat, all students rose to the occasion and produced exceptional final pieces.

The project was the latest in a series of successful Design Technology (DT) initiatives that have taken place across the department during the summer term. Members of the faculty’s Craft Club created personalised Father’s Day mugs using design software, vinyl cutters, and heat presses, while other Year 10 students explored metal recycling through a creative ‘bug-making’ challenge in the DT and Engineering workshops.

In Food lessons, students undertook a timed culinary challenge to prepare Thai Green Curry with rice and naan bread, with several individuals recognised for their outstanding efforts. Meanwhile, Year 9 students embraced the ‘Leftovers Challenge’, transforming surplus ingredients into creative meals.

Head of DT, Mrs Norris, commented: It’s been brilliant to see such a wide range of skills developing across the department. The jewellery project, in particular, demonstrated how traditional casting techniques can be used to create contemporary, desirable products. Everyone did a fantastic job, and I’m incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.”

This initiative offers a brilliant opportunity for families to access enriching, fun, and supportive experiences during the holidays. From paddleboarding to multi-sports camps, alpaca walking to music workshops, there’s something for everyone. 

Families can book up to 16 funded sessions in the holidays, with limited places available to pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan commissioned by East Riding regardless of their financial circumstances.

View and book activities: https://book.plinth.org.uk/calendar/tYE4tT6UWW9TNAlYro52 

Download the guide booklet: East Riding HAF Programme – Summer 2025

The event included performances from the Withernsea Ladies Choir and Hornsea Choir, as well as collaborations with Withernsea High School, Hornsea School and Language College, and local care settings.

The secondary school students, aged between 11 and 15 years, used a variety of instruments to create their own composition celebrating the ‘harmony, heritage, and shared moments’ of life in East Yorkshire. Rooted in the landscapes of Withernsea, Hornsea, and beyond, the composition was inspired by themes of nature, rurality, and conservation.

Jamie Hughes, Head of Creative Arts, said: “For another consecutive year, we were thrilled to host the Manchester Camerata at our school. They delivered yet another incredible performance. I thoroughly enjoyed watching our young performers deliver beautiful interpretations across the disciplines of music and dance.

“In addition to the dance performance, the musical contributions from students of Withernsea High School and Hornsea School were a real highlight, with singing led by our Key Stage 3 students. They were joined by members of the Withernsea Ladies Choir and Hornsea Choir, who brought grace and rich harmonies throughout.

Everyone in the audience left with a smile. Our community should be very proud of such a collaborative and engaging evening. Well done to everyone involved!”

Lewis Fryer, Teacher of Music, added: “Throughout the summer term, Camerata members have delivered regular workshops at the school, encouraging our students to grow as both composers and performers. Particular emphasis was placed on nurturing talent among our younger students, who rose to the challenge of working alongside professional musicians to contribute confidently to the creation of an original composition.”

The concert formed part of the award-winning ‘Classically Yours’ project—a long-term partnership between Orchestras Live and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, designed to bring nationally significant orchestras to the East Riding.

Originally conceived for Hull’s year as UK City of Culture in 2017, Classically Yours was developed to engage new audiences by addressing the limited access to live orchestral music in rural communities. Withernsea was identified as a priority area, and a strong partnership was formed between Withernsea High School and the Manchester Camerata to develop concerts involving students from the school.

The project has since expanded to include the Withernsea Ladies Choir and local care home settings. In 2023, it extended further to incorporate Hornsea, and in 2024 a youth voice strand was introduced. This new strand gave students from Withernsea High School the opportunity to help shape the project through direct involvement in marketing and event planning, offering them valuable insight into careers within the creative industries.

 

 

The Year 11 Prom offers students a final opportunity to come together as a year group before moving on to further education, training, or employment. Thanks to their hard work and commitment to learning, more than two-thirds of attendees were able to receive discounts on their tickets through the school’s rewards system. Throughout the academic year, students accumulated ‘Prom points’ for positive behaviour, effort, and meeting expectations, which could then be used to reduce ticket costs. In keeping with tradition, many students gathered at the school before the event to pose for photographs with friends and family before travelling to the venue in a variety of hired vehicles. Charles Little, event co-organiser and Year 11 tutor lead, said: “It was a truly memorable night. From the moment students arrived - walking through a gauntlet of 16 bubble machines and a cacophony of confetti cannons - to the emotional farewells at the end, ‘effort’ was clearly the buzzword of the evening. From a notable entrance in a McLaren sports car to a colourful array of dresses and suits, it was evident that a tremendous amount of time, care and energy had gone into making the night the success it was.” The evening’s entertainment included games such as air hockey, table football and Connect 4. There was also a chocolate fountain, a mountain of Ferrero Rocher, cupcakes and homemade 'good luck' biscuits. Student successes were celebrated, with individuals recognised for their achievements and contributions throughout the year. These included the 72 students who had successfully completed their Prom passports to a high standard, meeting targets and accumulating points that enabled them to attend. Also celebrated were the year group’s top attenders who, as part of the school’s ‘Door to Draw’ attendance incentive, earned one entry into a prize draw for each full week of attendance throughout the year. With an impressive number of entries submitted, a wide range of prizes were awarded — including an Amazon Echo Show — highlighting both the initiative’s popularity and the students’ commitment to strong attendance. A popular addition to the Prom in recent years has been the ‘Lighthouse Awards’ – a light-hearted awards ceremony that celebrates the individual talents, personalities, memorable moments, and inside jokes that help to define a year group. Mr Little said: “The third annual Lighthouse Awards were a highlight of the evening. From Olivia C being named the student ‘most likely to appear on the cover of Vogue’ to Marianne C winning ‘most likely to headline Glastonbury’, the awards were met with whoops, cheers and good humour.” The evening not only marked the end of a chapter for the students, but also the end of five years at the school for Mr Little, who is due to retire from teaching at the end of term. “From the low days of Covid, when students went without a Prom, to its return as a must-attend event, it has been a pleasure to carry the event forward. Personally, I shall be sad not to be the organiser and compère again, but I know I will have left it in a very healthy state. I must pass on my special thanks to Nicola Makey - my muse, without whose help it would have been a damp squib - to Lucy Hopper, for her voracious appetite to support, and to many other staff, too numerous to mention, for their contributions.” “I started at Withernsea High School in the same year as this cohort of students, and I truly believe they were fully committed to their education and will go on to achieve great things under my maxim: Labor omnia vincit (work conquers all).” Mark Crofts, Headteacher, added: “As always, the Prom provided a chance for our Year 11 students to spend time with one another and to see the staff who have supported and cared for them over the past five years. It offered an opportunity to reflect on the journey they have taken and to celebrate their many successes. “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. I would like to say a particular thank you to Mr Little, who has led the charge over the past three years. He has not just been an event organiser – his energy has guided Year 11 through a busy and focused year. In his role as Year 11 tutor lead, there has been real cohesion between himself and the year group. It was clear from our students’ reactions that they were hugely grateful to him and to everyone who helped make the event a success. My thanks extend to them all. “I am sure that 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 [Photo Credit Terry Bearpark / Holderness Gazette]: A selection of these images appear in print in the 10th July 2025 edition of The Holderness Gazette 

School careers ambassador and young health champion Darcy L joined Baroness Nicky Morgan and representatives from the Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) for the launch of ‘Examining the Skills Gap’ – a report that outlines evidence-led insights into the scale of a skills and workforce shortage in the NHS. Produced by the CEC’s Health Sector Advisory Group, the report highlights that while many young people are enthusiastic about careers in healthcare, their awareness is often limited to a narrow range of roles – primarily doctors and nurses. Among the barriers to recruitment identified in the report are inconsistent access to work experience and a lack of awareness of more than 350 NHS career pathways, ranging from pharmacy technicians and mental health professionals to roles in community-based care. The report proposes long-term solutions to address these issues including the further use of work experience to deepen young people’s interest in health and social care, embedding careers awareness about health and social care within the curriculum, and empowering teachers to inform their students about a wider variety of careers in the health sector.   Sharing her thoughts at the launch of the report, Year 10 careers ambassador Darcy stressed the importance of employer interactions as an effective means of career inspiration: “We need more young people to be aware of the wide variety of roles available. I really do think it’s important that we start talking about careers and work earlier. From working with employers throughout my time in high school, I have been able to explore lots of different roles. I’ve learnt about so many people and have identified clear role models who inspire me. “Building this knowledge has allowed me to appreciate that what I am learning about could lead to a healthcare career in my local area. I know that the skills I am developing through employer engagement opportunities and career events are preparing me to be a valued part of the future workforce.” Earlier this year, Darcy and fellow Year 10 careers ambassador Evelyn W were invited to share their thoughts on careers education at a regional student voice event hosted by the Hull and East Yorkshire Business Growth Skills Hub. Prior to this, the ambassadors met with Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart to discuss the need for greater work experience opportunities for young people.   Darcy added: “Most kids don’t know what they want to do after school. If work experience isn’t just a one-off thing, maybe two weeks which students organise themselves, they will definitely learn more. For me, I know work experience has helped me to be more independent and I have developed skills that will help me in the future. “I definitely think there should be more opportunities for work experience and I know that the NHS does too. That’s why they run a variety of engagement projects and it is why we gathered at the House of Lords to highlight this.” Among the engagement initiatives Darcy has taken part in are Step into Healthcare, a national programme that contributed to the foundational work for the skills gap report, and Young Health Champions - a support initiative to promote healthcare careers, healthy lifestyles and well-being among her peers and younger students. Darcy added: “In my role as a careers ambassador, I have run sessions with Year 7 students to share my learning and help them start thinking about their futures. As a young health champion, the projects I have led at school are helping to enhance the work that the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board does to promote careers.” Reflecting on the experience of being invited to speak at the launch event, as one of only two youth panel contributors, Darcy said: “I was really nervous but excited. To be asked to share my opinions in the House of Lords in front of so many important people, including Baroness Morgan and NHS representatives from all around the country, made me feel really valued. To be part of a national conversation was really special.”  Viki Foster, careers leader at Withernsea High School, said: “We are so proud that Darcy was asked to take part in the launch of the skills gap report. She has worked incredibly hard over the last year, both as a careers ambassador and as a young health champion. Although she has been part of a number of teams during these activities, it is her own personal journey that has shone through. She has gone from being incredibly nervous at one of the first student voice meetings to having the confidence to speak and lead the way at a number of key events. “This year has been a period of learning and growing for her and the opportunity to attend the skills report launch in the House of Lords was an amazing chance for her to demonstrate her new-found skills and confidence. The development of these qualities has been truly inspirational to witness and we are delighted that she fully embraced this fantastic opportunity.” Headteacher Mark Crofts added: “Being invited to speak at the launch of this landmark report is an incredible accolade, not only for Darcy but for the school as well. Darcy’s work as a careers ambassador and young health champion has stood her in good stead for her involvement in careers development at a national level. “The projects she has been involved with, as part of our careers programme, have not only helped Darcy to build knowledge, they have also helped her to grow in confidence. This demonstrates the impact of our Board for Change, under which all our ambassador roles work together as a combined voice for student-led change. Our core purpose as a school is to develop confident young people who can thrive in a changing world, and Darcy is a shining example of this in action.” Among those present at the national launch event was Fiona Headridge, careers hub lead, who said: “The Hull and East Yorkshire Careers Hub was incredibly proud to see Darcy speak so confidently in the House of Lords about what makes good quality careers provision in schools. She highlighted, with great clarity and passion, way beyond her years, that high-quality careers education is not simply about ticking boxes or handing out leaflets, but about giving every young person the knowledge, skills and inspiration to make informed choices about their future. “Darcy spoke about the importance of meaningful work experience and regular encounters with employers, explaining how these opportunities help students build confidence, develop employability skills and gain a realistic understanding of the world of work. She rightly pointed out that when young people see a variety of pathways and hear directly from professionals, it broadens their horizons and raises aspirations. Darcy noted that this work needs to start with young people as early as possible. “Her speech was thoughtful and articulate, reminding us all that careers provision should be an integral part of education rather than an afterthought. We are delighted that Darcy has been able to share her perspective on such an important platform. Her contribution no doubt inspired employers and national decision makers to advocate for better support for young people to help them prepare for their futures.” In collaboration with NHS stakeholders, including representatives from Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and individual NHS Trusts, the Health Sector Advisory Group is working with local careers hubs to design place-based solutions to address the national workforce shortage in the NHS. As of February 2024, this shortage has left over 121,000 vacancies unfilled, with a further projected shortfall of 360,000 staff by 2036. Shajeda Ahmed, chairwoman of the Health Sector Advisory Group, said: “The NHS is the fourth largest employer in the world and holds a unique place in the hearts of the public, but it’s facing real workforce pressures. National strategy is important, but real progress depends on what we do in our communities. We have a chance to connect with the next generation to show them that careers in the NHS are not only possible, but vital. By supporting their development now, we can build a skilled and inspired workforce ready to deliver on the NHS’s ambitions and the government’s ten-year health plan.” “This is a wake-up call,” added John Yarham, Interim CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company. “The interest from young people is widespread and growing – but it risks going to waste. We need to come together to create a system that works for students and the NHS, closing the loop between aspiration and opportunity. If we connect the dots between what young people want and what the NHS needs, we won’t just save money – we’ll save lives.”   PHOTOS From Withernsea to 01: Darcy is pictured, eighth from the left, with members of the CEC’s Health Advisory Group including (to her immediate right) Shajeda Ahmed, chairwoman of the Health Sector Advisory Group, followed by Baroness Morgan, chairwoman of the CEC. [Photo Credit: CEC] From Withernsea to 02: Darcy at the Palace of Westminster ahead of the skills report launch. An experience which she described as ‘special’ and one that made her feel ‘valued’. [Photo Credit: Darcy L] From Withernsea to 03: Earlier this year, Darcy (left) with fellow Year 10 careers ambassador Evelyn W presented their thoughts on careers provision to peers and professionals at a careers hub student voice event hosted by the Hull and East Yorkshire Business Growth Skills Hub, in partnership with the CEC and the HEY Careers Hub. [Photo Credit: Viki Foster]   Article by Tim Nuttall July 2025    

Around 80 students took part in a three-day programme at PGL’s Dearne Valley activity centre, where they engaged in a range of team-building and outdoor challenges, including raft building, buggy construction, the ‘leap of faith’, and bushcraft. The trip forms part of the school’s wider efforts to enhance students' personal development beyond the classroom, encouraging its youngest learners to step outside their comfort zones and take part in activities designed to build confidence, inspire teamwork, improve communication and develop resilience. Leading to the trip was assistant headteacher, Mr Burnitt, who provided the following diary of the experience: Day One: “We arrived around midday after a slight delay caused by a flat minibus battery. Spirits, however, remained high. On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the ever-enthusiastic PGL staff, who – true to form – immediately engaged with the students and began getting to know them. With the sun shining brightly, students stepped off the coaches full of anticipation for what the next three days would hold. Our staff team, equally excited, were well-prepared to support the students in making the most of all the opportunities PGL had to offer. Once packed lunches were eaten and everyone refuelled, it was time to get started. “The first set of activities – including buggy building, low ropes, and a scrap heap challenge – quickly got everyone involved. During the buggy build, students had to learn new practical skills to assemble a vehicle using knots and ensure it was sturdy enough to carry teammates across a set course. Competing against other groups, they rose to the challenge with enthusiasm and teamwork. Feedback from staff at the end of day one was overwhelmingly positive: students were fully engaged and clearly having a great deal of fun.” Day Two: “Following a night of varying amounts of rest, students were gently woken at 6:30am for a 7:15 breakfast – some more horrified than others at the early start! Nonetheless, all made it down on time, ready to fuel up for the busy day ahead. With continued good weather, PGL were able to offer raft building to all students who wished to take part. Those who didn’t go on the water contributed just as enthusiastically, working together to construct a raft worthy of any captain. Before long, a corner of Dearne Valley resembled a thriving shipyard. With guidance from PGL instructors, students learned how to build something that could not only float but be manoeuvrable on water. Even a curious swan stopped by to observe the unfolding scene! “Elsewhere, groups were taking part in other high-adrenaline activities. One of the highlights was the leap of faith – a thrilling challenge where students scaled what resembled a telegraph pole before leaping through the air to catch a suspended bar. It required real courage, and many students showed incredible determination by attempting it more than once, overcoming nerves and achieving personal goals. “Some groups also tried their hand at bushcraft. Our budding Bear Grylls’ gathered kindling and built their own fires, guided by PGL staff through fire safety, outdoor survival, and woodland preservation. These hands-on sessions offered students a new perspective on nature and the importance of respecting our environment. “Throughout the residential, students could earn raffle tickets as rewards for effort and attitude. The final day’s prize draw created much excitement, with some pupils jokingly hoping for an all-inclusive three-week holiday to Florida rumoured to be up for grabs! In reality, hundreds of tickets were handed out over the course of the stay – a clear reflection of the effort and energy students poured into their activities. “Leading up to the trip, students had been working on The Road to Residential booklet – a preparatory task designed to build excitement and offer incentives. The top prize, a fully funded place on the trip, became a golden ticket for one lucky winner, with several others receiving vouchers for the on-site gift shop. Completed booklets were judged by a staff panel and the winners were announced live on the final day, creating a fantastic atmosphere and celebrating the students’ hard work.” Among the staff members who accompanied the students on this year’s trip was head of personal development Mrs Monaghan who said: “At Withernsea High School, we recognise that delivering a robust academic curriculum is hugely important, but it is far from being the only thing we do. We also work hard to provide a wide range of opportunities for personal development beyond the classroom setting, and this residential experience for our Year 7 students is part of that provision. “The venue, combined with the support of our own staff, ensures that the experience is accessible to students of all ability levels and inclusive of any additional needs. Students face challenges that test their character and build both resilience and responsibility. As a teacher, it is inspiring to witness a student so determined to succeed that they persevere through setbacks. This kind of motivation and determination becomes a lasting part of their character. “Another personal highlight is watching a real sense of 'team' emerge over the three days, with students supporting, encouraging and celebrating one another - whether they are reaching the top of the leap of faith, or spending their first night away from family. We see students learning that although they may have many differences, those differences are strengths that help make their team stronger.” Student feedback was equally positive, with many keen to share their thoughts and offer words of encouragement to future participants. Dylan T said: “It was really fun. My favourite activity was the raft building because it was really good for teamwork - and we got wet! I definitely think there should be more water activities. It was also great to be in groups with different people that I don’t usually see at school. For any Year 7s who are not sure about going next year, I think they should try it because I know they’ll enjoy it. It’s a great opportunity to do something different and learn life skills.” Fellow student Hayden T added: “I really enjoyed it because it was so much fun. My favourite parts were the raft building and the leap of faith because they were both filled with action. I think the trip helped me feel more confident in the water and I made a lot of new friends. I’m also proud that I managed the leap of faith because I thought this was something that I’d never be able to do. I’d definitely encourage other students to give the trip a go – you’ll have fun with your friends and come back with lots of great memories.” One of the most valuable benefits of the residential experience was the opportunity for students to disconnect from their screens and fully engage with the activity programme. A spokesman for PGL said: “At PGL, we encourage children to escape from modern stresses and reconnect in the great outdoors. Having a break from digital distractions allows them to be present, live in the moment, make new friends and get the most from their outdoor adventure.” This experience brought to life the themes explored in Personal Development lessons, as Mrs Monaghan explained: “Students learn that excessive screen time can pose problems for their mental wellbeing, physical health and social development. The impact of spending almost three screen-free days, out in the fresh air, making new friends and trying new activities, was clear to see. It was a great pleasure to watch the students coming up with games to play together during their free time and enjoying the freedom of no longer being at the beck and call of their notifications.” Between 2012 and 2019, the Kingswood Centre in the Dearne Valley was the school’s preferred destination for outdoor activities, until the Covid pandemic caused a break in continuity. After a three-year hiatus, the residential experience returned in 2023, temporarily relocating to Newby Wiske Hall in North Yorkshire. Last year, the trip made a successful return to the Dearne Valley. While preparations were underway for this year’s visit, it was announced in the national media that the site’s previous operators ‘Kingswood’, a subsidiary of the Inspiring Learning Group, had gone into administration, resulting in the closure of several centres. The Dearne Valley site was among three former Kingswood centres acquired by outdoor education provider PGL, who confirmed that “planned residentials for over 50,000 young people will go ahead." Reflecting on the trip as a whole, Mr Burnitt said: “This year’s residential was a great experience for all involved. Exceptional weather allowed us to enjoy all the activities on offer, including raft building, which quickly became a highlight for many students as they took to the water on their hand-built crafts.   “PGL’s recent takeover of the Dearne Valley site introduced new activities to the programme, including bushcraft and buggy building. These were welcome additions alongside established favourites such as ‘Jacob’s ladder’ and the leap of faith.”   “An event that students always look back on with fond memories is the school residential. This year’s trip once again highlighted how important these opportunities are in developing life skills beyond the classroom. All the planning and preparation is made worthwhile when you get to join in activities with students and see their enjoyment from taking part. “Students threw themselves into every activity with enthusiasm, with many pushing well beyond their comfort zones. The residential is all about discovering what you’re capable of, and we saw so many examples of courage, resilience, teamwork, and new friendships taking root. “A massive thank you goes to the students, whose conduct was exemplary, and to the accompanying staff who freely gave up three days away from their own families to allow students to have such a worthwhile experience. Thanks also to the behind-the-scenes team whose meticulous planning and organisation make such opportunities possible.”

The ‘Library League’ was established last autumn with the aim of introducing newly arrived Year 7 students to the school library and promoting reading for pleasure. To participate, students were invited to read qualifying titles from the library’s collection of over 5,500 books in order to build their cumulative word count.

A weekly top-20 league table was published in the student bulletin to monitor progress and inspire competition among those involved. A total of 42 students took part, motivated by prizes awarded at key milestones throughout their reading journey.

Certificates of achievement were awarded at 100,000 words, 250,000 words (bronze), 500,000 words (silver), and one million words (gold). These were accompanied by prizes including badges, magnetic page markers, and bookmarks. Students reaching 700,000, 900,000, and one million words were rewarded with confectionery. For every additional 200,000 words read beyond the million-word milestone, sweets and chocolates were given as further incentives. Additionally, students earned positive points through the school’s Class Charts behaviour and rewards platform for each book they completed.

Announcing the results of the league, school librarian Julie Thompson said: “Congratulations to the winners of the Year 7 Library League Challenge. These students have proved themselves to be outstanding readers. I am very proud of everyone who participated - they all had very positive attitudes to reading and the competition was fierce. Well done to them all!”

Topping the league with an incredible 1,642,170 words to his name was Alfie P, who received a gold certificate, a badge, and a trophy. In second place was Reese F, awarded a silver certificate and badge for reading 1,501,340 words. In third place, Lorien W received a bronze certificate and badge in recognition of the 1,094,166 words she read this year. All three top finishers were also awarded a £10 Waterstones book voucher to celebrate their achievements.

Following the success of this year’s Year 7 competition, the league will relaunch in September as a whole-school initiative. Renamed the Reading League Challenge, the new format will feature a points system that unlocks rewards such as free books, sweets, chocolates, and reading accessories. The league will be open to students in all year groups to further encourage borrowing from the school library.

Mrs Thompson added: “Our school library is a fantastic resource and we encourage all students to explore it. Fiction titles remain our most popular reads and our collection reflects this. We regularly provide book recommendations and welcome student suggestions for new additions to our shelves.”

ABOVE: The top 20 finishers. Each student was rewarded with Class Charts points in relation to their final placing. 

ABOVE: Gold winner Alfie P topped the league with an impressive 1,642,170 words to his name. To his left is second-place winner Reese F (1,501,340 words) and to his right, third-place winner Lorien W (1,094,166 words). The students are joined by school librarian, Mrs Thompson.  

ABOVE: Alongside a £10 Waterstones voucher, Alfie was also presented with a trophy to acknowledge his overall win.   

BELOW: Each of the top three finishers each received a certificate and badge.

 

Featuring performances from Withernsea Ladies Choir, Hornsea Choir, and collaborations with Withernsea High School, Hornsea School and Language College, and local care settings, the event’s programme will include new music inspired by life in the East Riding.

Among those taking part will be 17 young musicians from Withernsea High. The students, aged between 11 and 15 years, have used a range of instruments including piano, guitar, bass, violins and vocals to create their own composition which they will perform with the orchestra. 

Lewis Fryer, teacher of music, said: “Throughout the summer term, Camerata members have hosted regular workshops at the school, encouraging our students to develop as both composers and performers. There has been particular emphasis on nurturing talent among some of our younger students, who have risen to the challenge of working alongside professional musicians to deliver confident creative input into the creation of an original composition.”

A spokesman for the event said: “From timeless orchestral works to intimate choral pieces, the programme is designed to soothe the soul and stir the imagination. Rooted in the landscapes of Withernsea, Hornsea, and beyond, it explores themes of nature, rurality, and conservation, highlighting how the environment shapes individual stories and emotional wellbeing.

“Whether you’re a lifelong classical music lover or a curious newcomer, this event offers a welcoming space to experience the beauty of live performance from one of the UK’s leading professional orchestras in the company of friends, neighbours, and fellow music enthusiasts.”

A spokesman for the Manchester Camerata added: “Be it opening Glastonbury festival in front of 40,000 people or working intimately in care homes with people living with dementia, we believe in the transformative and connecting nature of music. That connection drives us, and we work with the best creative talent to make this happen.”

The concert is part of the award-winning ‘Classically Yours’ project, a long-term partnership between Orchestras Live and East Riding of Yorkshire Council to bring nationally significant orchestras to the East Riding. 

Originally conceived for Hull’s year as City of Culture in 2017, Classically Yours was developed to reach new audiences by addressing the lack of opportunity to experience live orchestral music in rural communities. Withernsea was chosen as a priority area and a strong partnership formed with Withernsea High School and the Manchester Camerata to develop concerts involving students from the school.

The project subsequently grew to include Withernsea Ladies Choir and local care home settings. In 2023, it expanded further to include Hornsea, and in 2024 a youth voice strand was developed. This involved students from Withernsea High School being given opportunities to steer the project through direct involvement with marketing and event planning, providing them with a taster of different careers within the creative industries.

‘Music To Watch The World Go By’, a concert in partnership with Manchester Camerata and local partners, will take place at Withernsea High School on Wednesday, July 9, at 6.30pm. Tickets, £9.00 each, can be purchased from https://www.bridspa.com/buy-tickets/?id=1208602 

Organised by teacher of music Lewis Fryer, and held at the University of Hull’s Middleton Hall, the event featured more than fifty performers and an exhibition of student artwork which highlighted the efforts of young artists from across all years of the school. Reflecting on the success of the evening, Lewis said: “Huge congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s Creative Arts Summer Showcase. The event was a great success with outstanding performances from start to finish. It was impressive to see how students conducted themselves both on and off stage, ensuring the professional running of the show. I am immensely proud of everyone involved and it was a pleasure to organise such an evening of entertainment.” Jamie Hughes, head of creative arts added: “For the third year running, Lewis created an exceptional creative arts collaboration. The event brought together a multitude of talent, from musicians, singers and dancers, to actors and artists. The evening held a real sense of variety and excitement for all and I thoroughly enjoyed watching all disciplines integrate seamlessly. “It was wonderful to once again see the faculty teaming up to showcase the very best work across years 7 to 11. The support that the students had for each other backstage, and the respect they had for each of their respective disciplines, was wonderful to watch.” Among those in the audience of approximately 250 parents, carers, friends, family and staff who supported this year’s event was headteacher Mark Crofts who said: “It was a wonderful evening with a fantastic atmosphere, and it was great to see so many parents and staff there as well. “Students were buzzing from their performances and it was fantastic to see some of our Year 10 students taking a leadership role as they mentored and supported younger students. This was reflected by both Jamie and Lewis who talked about the atmosphere backstage, where students displayed real leadership and kindness while working together to make sure they put on a fantastic show. I was amazed by the breadth and depth of talent on display and the students should be really proud of what they have achieved.”  The event came towards the end of another busy year for the creative arts faculty which has seen the staging of a large-scale school production and a full complement of extra-curricular clubs and performance opportunities. Following the success of previous productions, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘School of Rock’, ‘High School Musical’, and ‘The Addams Family’, this year the faculty tapped into 90s nostalgia for ‘Popstars: the musical’. Staged in the school hall over three nights in March, the production featured hit songs from artists including Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, TLC, *NSYNC and Christina Aguilera. The show was praised for building on the success of past productions through the involvement of a younger cast, which Holderness Gazette reviewer Terry Bearpark acknowledged “carries on the school’s tradition of bringing out talent from its students. The musical showed that the school is quite capable of developing new talent to maintain its high standard.” The musical was preceded in December with the ‘WHS Winter Festival’ - an event held at the school which featured music and dance performances, including solo instrumentals, guitar/vocal and piano/vocal duets, band performances and dance routines. A highlight of the year came when GCSE Dance students were given an opportunity of a lifetime to perform at Disneyland Paris. The experience saw the group deliver a 20-minute showcase, based on the theme of ‘hopes and dreams’, at the prestigious entertainment resort in April. During the visit, the group also took part in a pre-event workshop, plus a question-and-answer session with professionals from the park’s entertainment team. Rounding off a successful year in dance, Year 10 dancers will this week take part in the ‘Gotta Dance’ performance showcase alongside performers from other schools and performing arts organisations at Middleton Hall. The national non-competitive performance showcase strives to provide opportunities for a variety of ages and abilities to perform on the stage of a professional venue. Meanwhile, the school’s music department has maintained its long-standing collaboration with the Manchester Camerata orchestra who have returned to the school throughout the spring and summer terms to deliver workshops to a select group of students. This project will culminate in a concert featuring 'timeless' orchestral works and choral pieces, with performances by Manchester Camerata, the Withernsea Ladies Choir, the Hornsea Choir, and collaborations with local care settings, as well as Withernsea High School and Hornsea School and Language College, all inspired by life in the East Riding." ‘Music To Watch The World Go By’, a concert in partnership with Manchester Camerata and local partners, will take place at Withernsea High School on Wednesday, July 9, at 6.30pm. Tickets, £9.00 each, can be purchased from https://www.bridspa.com/buy-tickets/?id=1208602

Amelia W, Charlotte C, Lucy H and Molly H were drawn as the overall winners of a summer term attendance competition which afforded them an opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament and have lunch with their MP.   Accompanied by school attendance officer Harriet Elvidge and family support adviser Lucy Hopper, the group also visited landmarks including the Cenotaph, Downing Street and Horse Guards Parade on their way to the Palace of Westminster.  On arrival, the group was met by senior parliamentary assistant Sam Bellamy who led a private tour of the site which included access to the House of Commons, the House of Lords, the Royal Gallery and the 11th-century Westminster Hall. The tour culminated with lunch on the estate’s riverside terrace with Mr Stuart, who praised the students for their attendance efforts and answered their questions about local and national politics, education and their aspirations for the future. Among the topics discussed were inheritance tax for farmers and support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) — the latter being a subject on which Mr Stuart recently led a parliamentary debate, highlighting the per-pupil funding disparities facing SEND students in the East Riding compared with other areas. Mr Stuart said: “It was a pleasure to meet Amelia, Charlotte, Lucy and Molly and welcome them to Parliament. Attendance matters. Their commitment to their education and their futures is truly commendable and it’s important that we recognise and reward young people who turn up to school every day. I’m grateful to Hull Trains for making this unforgettable day possible by providing free rail travel.” Reflecting on the experience, Year 7 student Amelia said: “It was really fun and the overall experience was amazing. I feel lucky to have been on this trip. Even though it was a rewards trip, I felt like I learnt a lot too. The best bit of the day was having lunch with Graham on the terrace. Seeing all the statues in Parliament and learning about them was really good too. “I’ve been to London a few times before but I’ve only ever been outside the Parliament buildings so it was good to go inside this time. I was so excited when I found out that I’d won and I feel really lucky that I was the only one in year 7 who was selected. Attendance really is important. You miss out on a lot if you aren’t at school and being there will really help to prepare you for your GCSEs.” Year 8 winner Charlotte added: “I loved being able to learn new facts about Parliament and I really enjoyed the history side of it all. We had a very helpful tour guide, and lunch with Graham Stuart was wonderful. I have been to London before and think that it is very beautiful - I especially like the traditional buildings. The Houses of Parliament were amazing and I loved all the intricate designs, especially in the House of Lords. “When I found out that I was able to go on the trip I was nervous but also very excited because it’s something that not a lot of people will ever experience. I knew that I would definitely have a lot of fun.” Year 10 winner Molly said: “I really enjoyed the experience and found it really interesting. I’ve been to London before but this time I went to Piccadilly Circus which I hadn’t seen before. When I found out that I had been picked for this trip I felt very happy and lucky. I think attendance is important as if you don’t come to school you miss key learning and you may struggle in your lessons.” Lucy H, another Year 8 winner, added: “I really enjoyed going around London and getting to see the lovely views. The visit to the Houses of Parliament was amazing. It was beautiful inside and it was nice to see new things. When I found out I was on the trip I was very happy to know all my attendance has paid off. I think attendance is highly important because every lesson you miss, the more you are behind. Our school works hard to keep people’s attendance good and I just want to say a big thank you.” Following lunch at Parliament, the group visited the world-famous Hamleys toy shop on Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Leicester Square’s LEGO and M&M stores, before making their way back to King’s Cross for the journey home.    The trip was open to students who met a set of criteria, including at least 95 per cent attendance with no late marks, over 500 positive behaviour points and Attitude to Learning grades that reflect strong engagement, work ethic and a positive approach to learning. 22 students registered their interest in the trip, with the top point scorers from each year’s entrants being placed in a draw for final selection. The London rewards experience was offered as an incentive by Graham Stuart during a visit to the school in March. Although primarily there to support the school’s careers programme, he also met with attendance officer Harriet Elvidge to learn what measures are in place to promote positive attendance and recognise those who maintain high standards or demonstrate consistent improvement.  Keen to lend his support to the school’s efforts, Mr Stuart arranged an opportunity for a group of students to visit the Palace of Westminster as part of a rewards package which also included complimentary travel courtesy of Hull Trains.  Stuart Jones, managing director of Hull Trains, said: “At Hull Trains, we’re proud to support opportunities that inspire young people and broaden horizons. Supporting Withernsea High School’s trip to London reflects our commitment to helping students learn beyond the classroom. As we embark on our 25th year of operation, connecting communities is at the heart of Hull Trains - creating opportunities for growth, education, and inspiration. We’re pleased to have played a part in a memorable day.” Harriet Elvidge said: “The students were excellent representatives of the school and I am extremely proud of them. The trip was a surreal but fantastic experience, and to have lunch with Graham on the terrace at Parliament, sat amongst other MPs and dignitaries, was a huge privilege. This is an experience that I’m sure our students will remember for a long time to come. “I am extremely grateful to Graham for his support of our attendance incentives programme and for making this trip a reality. I would also like to thank Sam Bellamy for his comprehensive and interesting tour of the Palace of Westminster, and the team at Hull Trains for generously providing our group with complimentary first class travel.”   Throughout the current academic year, students demonstrating excellent or improved attendance have been recognised during celebration assemblies and rewarded as part of the attendance incentives programme. Termly competitions have worked alongside ad-hoc giveaways to maximise impact throughout the year - rewarding consistently strong attenders and encouraging improvement in others. To date, prizes for individual students have ranged from school canteen ‘fast-passes’ to Hull FC tickets and Amazon gift vouchers. End-of-term celebration events have also rewarded top attending tutor groups with opportunities to enjoy complimentary breakfast buffets. In a fortnight’s time, the year’s incentives programme will culminate in an end of year grand prize draw. Every week that a student has achieved 100% attendance, they have been issued with a raffle ticket for one entry into the draw. The more weeks they have attended in full, the more entries they will have in the final draw for a chance to win a range of prizes from iPads to AirPods and gaming technology. Harriet added: “Strong attendance is crucial for success and, as an attendance team, we strive to highlight its importance. To help achieve this, the school’s governing body has allocated funding within our main rewards budget to help celebrate those who demonstrate excellent or improved attendance. Our data shows a marked improvement thanks to these efforts, with students not only responding well to prize incentives but also recognising the true value and importance of attending school. “In support of these efforts we are also grateful to have received the backing of numerous local businesses who have recognised the value in what we’re aiming to achieve and donated prizes to help incentivise and reward improved attendance.” Beci Pindar, deputy headteacher, said: “Establishing good attendance habits for all of our students is really important and, as a school, we work hard to promote the message that attendance matters. Our staff continue to work closely with students who may face barriers to attending school regularly, ensuring they receive the support they need. This is reinforced by communication with parents and carers about their child's attendance. “We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication and thank all parents and carers for their ongoing support. We are very aware of how families play a vital role in ensuring good attendance and we value this support. Simple steps that can be taken include encouraging a consistent morning routine to ensure punctuality and scheduling medical appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.”