A reminder of our uniform and equipment requirements can be found here: https://www.withernseahigh.org.uk/parents/student-uniform 

Please note, as per our uniform requirements...

Students can wear:

• One pair of stud earrings
• A plain black and functional belt                              
• A watch

Students cannot wear:

• Hair of an unnatural colour
• Extremes of fashion or hairstyle *
• False nails
• Heavy or very bright make-up, including false eyelashes and nail varnish*
• Facial/oral piercings e.g. nose/tongue studs; facial rings/studs; ear piercing retainers/ plug

* Please note that the decision about this is at the discretion of the Headteacher/Senior Leadership Group.

 

 

The experience delivered both academic and cultural enrichment opportunities, including a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ stage performance for dance students at Disneyland Paris, and an opportunity for GCSE French students to hone their language and comprehension skills in real-life scenarios.   Providing a platform for students to apply their classroom learning in a practical setting was a key objective for head of languages, Tracy Styche, who said: “Being surrounded by things such as street signs and posters, as well as obviously hearing the language around them, helped to put so many aspects of the GCSE course into perspective. The timing of the trip was also perfect as it was immediately before the final speaking exam and provided students with a valuable revision tool. “The students really embraced the opportunity to use their language skills, particularly during a visit to the Rue Mouffetard Market where they were encouraged to explore the stalls and use their French to make purchases. Some of the market traders picked up on their efforts to speak French and were both patient and encouraging, which really boosted the students’ confidence. Help was on hand if they needed it, but they absolutely went for it and were keen to show what they had bought. It was a pure joy to witness how proud they were of themselves when they successfully spoke or understood something in French. It was an amazing opportunity for all involved.” The group's Parisian itinerary continued with a visit to the Louvre, followed by a walk along the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. The tour culminated with unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro and a panoramic perspective of the city from the observation deck of the Montparnasse Tower. Reflecting on the experience from a student perspective, Phoebe, Year 11, said: “I had such an amazing time and I’m so happy that I got the opportunity to go. I really loved learning about French culture and seeing the country in person. It helped me with my confidence in French and, by hearing the language being used around me, it definitely helped with my speaking exam too. I loved the view of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower and loved seeing the Eiffel Tower as well. It has always been my dream to go to Paris and it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Fellow student Matilda added: “It was really fun to be able to apply what we’ve learnt in lessons to the conversations we had at the market”, while Elliott said: “The trip was everything I expected. Touring Paris was my favourite part as I enjoyed the difference in culture, the people, and the memories I made.” While the GCSE French students were immersed in the country’s culture, a group of dance students were preparing to take to the stage at Disneyland. As part of the day’s activities, the group also took part in a pre-event workshop, plus a question-and-answer session with professionals from the park’s entertainment team. Jamie Hughes, head of creative arts, said: “The dancers were awe-inspiring. I was beyond proud to be accompanying them as they performed their hearts out on an international stage. Their performance was a heartfelt and intense showcase based on their chosen theme of ‘hopes and dreams’. They rose to the challenge of performing at a prestigious venue and, as they confidently took the stage, it was evident that their hard work, commitment and preparation had paid off. “A real highlight of the Disney experience came during a Q&A session with the park’s choreographer, stage director, casting agent and technical engineer. Our students interacted maturely and inquisitively to learn about life as a performer. After a 90-minute intensive dance workshop, the students went on to perform their full live showcase in front of a packed theatre - all on three hours sleep!” The 20-minute performance was the result of months of rehearsals and planning which began last September when, as part of a preliminary audition stage, the dancers were required to prepare two routines within a framework set by the park’s entertainment team. Among the requirements was the need to create family-friendly routines, using full songs of at least three minutes in length, and to ensure that at least 90 per cent of the content featured in the finished showcase. Following the news that the audition had been successful, work began on creating the rest of the performance. “Both audition tracks formed part of the final show, along with around ten other pieces”, said Jamie. “These new routines included the show’s opening number which introduced the concept of a magical dreamlike state. We decided to base our ideas on the self-selected theme of ‘hopes and dreams’ as we felt this was fitting for a debut international performance.  “Securing a stage slot at Disneyland was a real honour for us as a school, as well as for our students, as such opportunities are typically only afforded to dedicated dance schools. This hugely rewarding and inspiring trip helped to show our young people that career opportunities in international performance are entirely achievable. With many aspiring performers in the school, it really could be any one of them on that stage again in the future. I am so proud of our students for showcasing the amazing talent that exists in Withernsea and the surrounding areas in front of an international audience.” Sharing their collective thoughts, members of the Year 10 dance group said: “It was a really magical experience. We had the best time performing and it was such a great opportunity for us. The workshop was hard work but very insightful. Disneyland itself was also incredible and we had the most amazing time. The highlights were definitely performing on stage and taking part in the workshop, as well as being able to see things from a cast member’s perspective.” Year 11 student, Faith, added: “The dance workshop was so good and offered a great insight into the work that goes into producing Disney shows. Performing was fun and it was surprising how big the audience was!”. Fellow Year 11 dancer Maddie said: “I loved it. I really enjoyed the workshop and learned lots about the world of professional performance. I would do it all again in a heartbeat! The highlights were definitely performing and taking the bows at the end. The parade and fireworks at Disney were also pretty special.” The weekend ended with the dance and GCSE French groups reconnecting for a shared day of exploring the rides and attractions at Disneyland, culminating in an evening watching the park’s nightly fireworks display.    Ahead of their departure to France, and thanks to a kind donation from Centrica, branded hoodies were purchased for all students involved. The hoodies functioned as an official travel uniform, helping students to remain visible during their three-day visit.    Jamie Hughes said: “There was a real buzz in the room when the hoodies were handed out - the students loved their travel uniform! We are extremely grateful to Centrica for their generous support. I know these hoodies will be a staple of our students’ photos and trip memories - memories which will no doubt last a lifetime.”   PHOTOS [Credit for all: Withernsea High School] Dancers dazzle 01 and 02: C'est Magnifique! Withernsea High School’s dance students dazzled on stage at Disneyland Paris. Dancers dazzle 03: GCSE French students pose for a photo on the observation deck of the Montparnasse Tower. Dancers dazzle 04: For many of the students, seeing the world-famous Eiffel Tower was a particular highlight of the trip. Dancers dazzle 05: GCSE French students embrace Parisian café culture. Dancers dazzle 06: The students confidently interacted with market traders and street artists during their tour of Paris. Dancers dazzle 07: The iconic ‘Sleeping Beauty’ castle was perhaps an ironic photo opportunity for the group who were surviving on three hours sleep! [Photo Credit: Withernsea High School] Dancers dazzle 08: Students hailed the ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to perform at Disneyland. Dancers dazzle 09: Thanks to a generous donation from Centrica, the students each received a tour hoodie. Article by Tim Nuttall May 2025

The ‘Open Week’ includes open days at Withernsea RUFC, Withernsea Golf Club, and the town’s tennis and bowling clubs, along with family fun days supporting Withernsea Carnival and the Blue Light Weekend.

The programme, which runs from Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June, also features skatepark experiences and digital skills sessions.

A downloadable guidebook, which includes a full timetable of events and further details about the week, is available below.

DOWNLOAD: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD VIEW THE GUIDEBOOK

A spokeswoman for Active Withernsea and PACE said:“Packed with events, activities, and local gems, this booklet has everything you need to make the most of your town. Whether you're a resident, a regular visitor, or it's been a while since you explored Withernsea, there's something new waiting for you to discover! Why not try a local event you've never attended before? Meet a new group, take part in an activity, or support a local cause. Let’s make the most of May half-term and make it one to remember!”

The PACE network represents the future of physical activity and community engagement in Withernsea. This innovative initiative seeks to champion active lifestyles and address the barriers that prevent people from getting involved. It is free to join and open to anyone interested in helping Withernsea become a more active community. The network hosts workshops, events, and networking opportunities.

For more information about the network and its upcoming meetings, contact: active.withernsea@eastriding.gov.uk 

ENGINEERING: Year 10 Engineering students have recently been exploring product design, using industry standard tools and techniques. Amy Norris, Head of DT, said: “Year 10 Engineers were tasked with becoming product designers and were each given a specific client to design for. They used Solidworks, an industry standard software, to create models and engineering drawings. The outcomes are very skilful and show creativity and excellent knowledge of engineering drawings.

“The students had to think about scale, material properties and structural characteristics, while drawing upon their mathematical skills too. It was clear that the students loved this project, with many printing an extra copy of their work to take home and show their parents and carers. Well done, Year 10!”.  

FOOD: Meanwhile, Teacher of Food, Miss Bircumshaw, has used her creativity to produce a ‘good luck’ gift for each of her Year 11 Food students. Taking the form of a crocheted four-leaf clover, the gifts are “a little souvenir to say good luck and all the best for the future."

The GCSE Food exam took place yesterday afternoon, Monday 19^th May. After this week, and the half term break, there will be another two and a half weeks of exams, finishing with the final DT paper on Wednesday, 18^th June.  

Softball Cricket Tournament

Young cricketers have been given an opportunity to represent the school in the finals of a Hull and East Riding cricket tournament.  

The team managed a very respectable third place finish after being edged out in two very close games. Acting Head of PE, Owen Mountain, reported “a great effort from all ten players” and praised the team for competing well against some “very strong competition”.

Mr Mountain added: “It’s also worth noting that our team was, on balance, the youngest side involved - with players mainly in Key Stage 3. Most other teams fielded players from Year 10. This makes our team’s efforts even more impressive. Well done to all involved.”

Withernsea secured a solid win against Kingswood Academy, scoring 86 runs against their opponents 34.

In all other games, they were beaten by as few as two runs (against Woldgate School), five runs (Snaith and Beverley Grammar), and eight runs (St Mary’s College).

Congratulations to: Michael I, Louie E, Archie R, Noah M,  Alfie F, Ben H, George S, Dylan F, William T and Sam H. 

Year 7 Rugby

On Thursday, 15^th May, the Year 7 boys team competed in a nine-a-side tournament at the University of Hull where they won all three of their games without conceding a single try. The students played exceptionally well and were a joy to watch. As a result of winning this tournament, they will now represent the East Riding at a national tournament in Warrington next month. 

Well done to: Kane B, Freddie H, Anthony L, Craig L, Jensen H, Denis R, Dylan T, Corey O and Louie S. 

 

Parallel Sports

A group of Key Stage 3 students represented the school at a recent inclusive sports event at Nuffield Health Centre in Hull. The students had a fantastic time and worked well as a team. They were determined with their own performances whilst also encouraging eachother. To top a great day off, the students placed first overall which they were delighted about!

Well done to: Max W, Mason F, Orin D, Wyatt P, William B, Jake K, Daniel T, Emily C, Scarlett H, Kodi G, Leon W and Tommy T. 

 

Panathlon

Students from Years 7, 8, and 9, and the school’s ERP, recently took part in a ‘Panathlon’ event. The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and displayed great confidence, expressing themselves and being enthused by something slightly different. Well done to the ERP team who came first overall!

Well done to: Josh F, Alex A, Patrick B, Alfie B, Joe K, Harrison W, Mason F, Will B, Bernie R, Peter C, Cody G, Thomas F, Lexi G, Daniel T, Brooklyn H, Alfie K, Logan R, Thaviru B, Ben W, Leon W, Scott L, Reece M and Lilly C

Thanks to the event leaders: Dylan T, Jake T, Jethro P, Lily B, Millie C, Meredith W, Molly H and Riley G. 

Staff at Withernsea High School were encouraged to take part in the event to help promote the benefits of positive mental health in the school community.

Sarah Evans, school business manager and mental health first aider, said: “Green is the international symbol for mental health awareness, representing hope, strength and support for those living with mental illness. One of the aims is to encourage open conversations about mental health, supporting anyone affected and helping to advocate for positive change.

“This year celebrated the power and importance of community for our mental health. The theme of ‘feeling connected’ is really important to our school; many staff talk about the value of working as part of the school team, and how welcoming and supportive their colleagues are.

“Positive connections with a supportive community help provide a sense of belonging and support, and knowing you have work friends can really make a difference during difficult times, or just when you’re having a tough day.”

‘Wear It Green’ day is a day of visibility within Mental Health Awareness Week – a national event that aims to help people understand and prioritise their mental health. It is led by the Mental Health Foundation - the UK’s only charity solely focused on protecting good mental health.

Find out more about the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week, and Wear it Green day, at: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw 

Led by the Mental Health Foundation - the UK’s only charity solely focused on protecting good mental health – this year’s awareness week focuses on ‘community’. 

To celebrate the power of togetherness, the charity is using the week to promote community connection. Suggested activities include participating in club or group activities, connecting with like-minded people online or in the community, volunteering, and supporting local events. 

This Thursday, 15th May, the Mental Health Foundation encourages people to ‘wear it green’ to show their support and raise funds for research and support programmes. ‘Wear It Green’ day is promoted in workplaces, schools and communities to raise awareness and support the foundation’s work.

Staff at Withernsea High School are being encouraged to take part in the event to help promote the benefits of positive mental health in the school community. Some staff have also been sharing their thoughts on what makes them feel connected in the workplace. These thoughts have been shared on the school’s Instagram account: www.instagram.com/withernseahighschool 

School business manager, and mental health first aider, Sarah Evans, said: “We invite all staff to wear something green to show solidarity for mental health awareness this Thursday. Any donations to the Mental Health Foundation would also be welcomed at the main office. During Mental Health Awareness week, we are promoting numerous resources and tips to help our school community focus on positive mental health.”

Reflecting on the importance of raising awareness, a spokesperson for the Mental Health Foundation said: “Join us for Wear It Green day this Thursday and let’s turn the world green for good mental health! By going green, you can support us in carrying out vital research and delivering programmes for different communities. 

“Mental health is one of the most important foundations for a healthy and long life, and we believe everyone deserves good mental health. No one living in the UK should be deprived of the opportunity for good mental health because of who they are, the community they come from or where they live. 

“Poor mental health is not inevitable. There are things we can do as individuals, in our communities and across society, to help us all to live with good mental health. We want to use this year’s awareness week to celebrate the power and importance of community.

“Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.”

Find out more about the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week, and Wear it Green day, at: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw 

Meanwhile, students seeking help for their mental health and well-being, either in or out of school, have access to a number of organisations, staff and resources that can help them deal with a variety of issues:   

 

 

 

STAFF COMMENTS ABOUT CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY...

A whole school assembly reflected on the significance of the occasion while, at midday, a two-minute silence was observed across the school site in line with a national tribute. Throughout the day, students were also given an opportunity to speak with members of staff who had shared the wartime stories of their relatives on posters around the school. Meanwhile, six students, accompanied by welfare coordinator Paul Whittaker, represented the school during an 11am service at Withernsea’s ‘new’ war memorial. The school was one of a number of organisations, including the town council, Withernsea Primary School and Withernsea Lions, who laid a wreath at the event. Ahead of VE Day, Year 7 students had been tasked with designing a wreath centre as part of a competition organised by Darren England - president of the town’s branch of the Royal British Legion. Around 50 designs were created, which included the winning entry from Maisie F. The remaining centrepieces, along with creations from the neighbouring primary school, were subsequently displayed in shop windows around Withernsea. Clare Atkin, second in humanities and head of history, said: “The VE Day 80 commemorations provided us with a valuable opportunity to connect our students with this pivotal chapter in history. Through personal stories from our staff, involvement in community events, and the sharing of important historical information, we helped to ensure that the significance of VE Day and the sacrifices made during those challenging years were remembered and understood. “Our whole school assembly addressed the importance of the occasion through a number of themes, including the celebration of peace, democracy and British values. It also highlighted the importance of standing up for displaced and invaded people, and standing by our allies – themes which are as relevant today as they were 80 years ago. Within history you always have cycles - and war, quite predictively, has similar effects, whether happening in the 1930s or today.” Bringing the theme of the occasion closer to home were the wartime stories shared by staff members. These included experiences during the evacuation of Dunkirk, and the surrender of Japan in September 1945. Mrs Atkin added: “We know that students relate well to personal stories in history, and sharing the wartime contributions of our family members, no matter how great or small, was a great way of us commemorating the significance of VE Day.  “The impact of war in our locality was also covered in the morning’s assembly where we celebrated the resilience of essential workers, such as farmers and dock workers, who played a vital role in this area’s war efforts. The strength of civilians and their resilience through uncertainty, plus the efforts of the Home Guard, were also recognised.”  VE Day was also marked in school with the sale of commemorative pin badges which raised over £120 for the Royal British Legion. Meanwhile, a themed lunch menu included fish and chips, corned beef and potato pasties, and Woolton pie - a vegetable pie served widely during WW2.   ABOVE: Withernsea High School students lay a wreath and attended a service in the town. Front row (left to right): Maisie F, Gracie H, Lorien W, Harvey D, and Lucy H. Back row flag bearers (left to right): WHS students Bessie S and Isobel W with Darren England (president of Withernsea Branch of the Royal British Legion) and Ian Blowes who was representing the town’s Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club. [Photo Credit: Paul Whittaker] High school students 02: Representatives from around a dozen local organisations lay wreaths at the service. [Photo Credit: Paul Whittaker] High school students 03: Withernsea High School’s wreath insert was designed by Year 7 student, Maisie F.  [Photo Credit: Tim Nuttall]   Article by Tim Nuttall May 2025

This is a fantastic opportunity to build stronger connections between families, staff and students while actively supporting our school’s development and success.

A thriving PTFA can make a real difference. It creates a platform for parents and teachers to collaborate on projects, organise events, and provide invaluable support to the school. Whether it’s fundraising for new resources, planning fun activities for students, or simply bringing fresh ideas to the table - your involvement can have a lasting impact.

We welcome all parents, carers and friends of the school to contribute in ways that suit them. Whether you have time to volunteer, skills to share, or ideas to contribute, your participation, no matter how big or small, will be appreciated.

To express an interest, or find out more, please contact Mrs K Wallis (Admin Support Assistant) at wallisk@wscampus.net

The following students were recently drawn as the lucky winners, with each one receiving a sweet hamper as a reward.

Well done to:

- Ellie-Rose T

- Robby R 

- Lj D

- Max H

- Masonn A

- Amelia S

This year’s attendance incentives programme will culminate in an end of year grand prize draw. Every week that a student achieves 100% attendance, they are issued with a raffle ticket for one entry into the draw. The more weeks they attend in full, the more entries they will have for a chance to win a range of prizes from iPads to AirPods and gaming tech