Withernsea High School

Congratulations to Ms Harris, head of humanities and teacher of geography, who has been recognised for 25 years of dedicated service to the school. 

At an end of term staff meeting, Ms Harris was presented with East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s long service award by Mr Crofts. 

Reflecting on the milestone, Ms Harris said: “I can’t quite believe it - 25 years has gone so quickly. It’s been an incredible experience. I’ve taught in both the old school and the new building and worked under four headteachers. I started in the humanities faculty under the leadership of Andy Day, who was head of geography, and from the very beginning I really loved being here. Some of my favourite memories in the early days were teaching A-level geography and it’s wonderful to see that some of those former sixth form students are now members of staff at the school.” 

Ms Harris joined Withernsea High as a main scale geography teacher in September 2000. Initially on a temporary contract, the role was made permanent later that academic year. Reflecting on what attracted her to Withernsea, Ms Harris said her decision was driven by the geographical significance of the Holderness coastline.

“I always wanted to work on this coastline because it is so geographically dynamic. It holds a deep fascination for geographers, and to have my classroom 400 metres away from an area that is rapidly eroding provides an exceptional real-world context for geography education.”

Over the years, Ms Harris has held a number of leadership and specialist roles. She served as designated outdoor activities coordinator, leading trips to the Pyrenees and Poland in the early 2000s, and holding rock-climbing qualifications to support the school’s facilities at the time.

She later became assistant head of Key Stage 3 before being appointed head of Key Stage 3 in 2005. Further change followed in 2014 when she became head of geography - a role that subsequently developed into head of faculty. 

Among her career highlights, Ms Harris cited the overseas trips and more recent work linked to coastal erosion, saying: “Leading sixth form trips to Poland and the Pyrenees were real highlights. More recently, I’ve been involved in various projects with an emphasis on driving change locally and internationally and helping other people. These have included the Hull University-led INSECURE coastal erosion project, exploring coastal change and community resilience, and working with a Belgian filmmaker to make a short poetic film about life on the Holderness coast.”

Reflecting on the sense of continuity that comes with long service at the school, she added: “I love it when I end up teaching the children of former students. Some parents’ evenings feel like a reunion, especially with students in years seven and eight.”

Alongside this continuity, the energy of new challenges and the enthusiasm of her students continue to motivate and inspire her. “I like finding new ways of doing things and I enjoy a challenge. Being invited to take part in different projects keeps my work exciting and allows me to stay creative in how I approach teaching. I’m always keen to explore new projects and initiatives; it’s that variety that keeps me interested and inspired. However, student enthusiasm is what drives me most.”

Mr Crofts praised Ms Harris’ long-standing commitment and impact on the school. “Twenty-five years is a remarkable achievement. Even after all that time, she has maintained the same level of enthusiasm and commitment to the school, alongside a strong desire to try new approaches and get the very best for both herself and our students. She is completely student-centred and an absolute asset to the school.

“She consistently keeps the bigger picture in mind and is deeply involved in educating students about green energy and the major global changes that directly affect our area. While she is not originally from the town, she has become very much a part of it. She has an exceptional understanding of both her subject and the local community, and she ensures that generations of young people leave the school with a clear sense of their place in the world.”

Students at Withernsea High School marked the end of term with their annual Santa Run. 

Now in its fourth year, the event brought together students from all year groups to walk or run a lap of the school field.

Despite the cold air, the weather was bright, clear and dry, creating ideal conditions for the run. 

Many students embraced the festive spirit by wearing Christmas-themed costumes, with a minimum donation of £1 required to take part. 

Students conducted themselves impeccably throughout, fully engaging with the occasion and supporting one another.

All funds raised from the Santa Run will be donated to Dove House Hospice, with the final total to be announced in the new year.

The school would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

At the start of the academic year, WHS launched its Tutor Championship - a school-wide initiative designed to recognise and reward positive student behaviours. 

The competition encourages strong attendance, punctuality, positive conduct and enthusiastic engagement, with students earning points for their tutor group through the everyday choices that support their personal success.

At the end of each half term, the highest-performing tutor group in each year group from Years 7 to 10 is rewarded with a special treat. This half term’s celebration took place today, with winning groups enjoying a non-uniform day alongside a breakfast reward. Students were treated to freshly prepared bacon sandwiches, sausage sandwiches or toffee Danish pastries, kindly provided by Cooplands. 

The breakfast celebration created a positive start to the day as tutors and tutees came together to celebrate their shared achievement.

Miss Griffiths, Progress Leader for Tutor Development, highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying: “Tutor time is a vital component of students’ social and personal development. We are proud to offer many opportunities for students, in particular the Tutor Championships, which were launched in September. The competition rewards the everyday good practice we see from the vast majority of students, while also offering opportunities to earn additional points through subject-specific challenges throughout the year. It is wonderful to see tutor groups bonding and working as a team to earn such fantastic rewards, and I am extremely proud of both our students and tutors for their engagement.”

Staff have praised the impact the initiative has had on motivation and teamwork. Year 10 tutor Mrs Jesney commented: “Every single one of my tutees has loved this reward.” While Year 7 tutor Ms Walters added: “I am highly competitive, and my form truly rose to the challenge. They improved their attendance, worked exceptionally hard on the tutor challenges, and competed to earn a Golden Ticket each week. I am incredibly proud of their dedication, effort and determination. Celebrating with yummy breakfast sandwiches was fantastic!”

Students also shared their enthusiasm with Year 7 student Florence saying: “Wearing your own clothes is good - it’s a great reward,” while her friend Libby described the breakfast as “delicious!”

With scores resetting to zero at the start of each term, the Tutor Championship offers a fresh start and a renewed opportunity for every tutor group to succeed, ensuring that all students remain motivated and engaged throughout the year.

Withernsea High School’s annual Christmas Door Decoration competition returned this year, providing tutor groups and staff with the opportunity to showcase festive designs on their classroom and office doors.

Last year, two Year 9 students launched the decorated door trail to bring a little Christmas cheer to the corridors of WHS. The initiative has now grown into an annual tradition.

This year, a total of 29 doors were decorated, with contributions from both form groups and staff teams. Voting was held on Monday, 15th, and Tuesday, 16th December. All students and staff were eligible to vote, although they could not vote for their own door. The doors receiving the highest number of votes were 10HJB (G14) in first place, 8AE (B4) in second place, and a tie for third place between 9KHO (G9) and 9KER (B5).

Among staff entries, Mrs Norris, Head of Design Technology, received the most votes for a door decorated independently, with the main office team placing second.

The activity formed part of the Tutor Championship – a school-wide contest to reward engagement. Points were awarded based on participation and the outcome of the votes, with every participating form group receiving three points simply for taking part.

The form group in each year that received the most votes earned twelve points and a selection of sweets, while the second-place group received ten points. Staff members without form groups who participated were also eligible for prizes, with the non-form-group door receiving the most votes awarded sweets. The overall winner was presented with a trophy to display for the year.

Andrea Monaghan, Head of Personal Development, said: “Activities like this are an important part of school culture. One of the things that makes Withernsea High School such a special place to work and study is the sense of community and belonging. It was wonderful to see so many members of this community, both students and staff, giving up their time and energy to turn our corridors into a festive treat. Thank you to everyone who participated in our annual door decoration trail; it was a delight to see so many wonderful creations spreading Christmas cheer.

Levi, a Year 8 student, commented, “It’s been great looking at all the doors; my friends have all been talking about which they like best!”

The school’s Performing Arts community delivered an evening of music and dance to a packed hall of supporters last Tuesday, 16th December.

Returning for a third year, the WHS Winter Festival featured students from across all year groups in a programme of individual and group performances. The evening featured solo vocalists, ensemble performances combining vocals with piano and guitar accompaniment, and a variety of dance routines.

Among those taking part were the eleven members of the school’s string band, led by music teacher Lewis Fryer alongside Rebecca McKee, a peripatetic teacher of upper strings from the East Riding Schools’ Music Service. The group meets every Monday evening as part of the school’s extra-curricular Strings Club.

Reflecting on the success of the festival, Mr Fryer said: “Huge congratulations to everyone involved in the WHS Winter Festival. Having around 150 parents, friends and family members in the audience made it a truly special occasion. The students have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks, dedicating their time to rehearsals and producing an outstanding range of performances. I am immensely proud of them all and delighted with how successful the evening was.”

Jamie Hughes, Head of Sport and Performance and teacher of dance, added: “Mr Fryer has once again put together a wonderful evening of performances that students were proud to be part of. My thanks go to him for organising another fantastic celebration of talent, as well as to our very talented Year 11 dance leaders, Neve and Savannah, who choreographed and directed the dance performances. Well done to everyone involved.”

The event raised approximately £300 through ticket sales and refreshments, with funds going towards the staging of the school’s 2026 production of Matilda. The show will take place from 10th to 12th March and follows the success of last year’s production, Popstars: The 90s Musical.

Mr Fryer said: “Rehearsals for Matilda are going really well for both the cast and the musicians who make up the production band. There’s a real buzz of excitement already. Last year’s show was a jukebox musical that offered a slice of 90s nostalgia, but Matilda takes us back to a more traditional musical theatre format. We’re excited to bring our own amateur production of one of the West End’s most popular shows to the school.”

Meanwhile, the school’s dance students are preparing for their next performance, which will take place at Hull University’s Middleton Hall on Wednesday, 11th February. Further details will be shared early in the new year.

Year 8 students have taken part in an entrepreneurship masterclass designed to develop their confidence, teamwork and understanding of the world of business.

The activity was delivered by members of For Entrepreneurs Only (FEO), an award-winning Hull-based community interest company comprising more than 200 business owners from across Hull and East Yorkshire.

Throughout the day-long event, students were introduced to the key principles involved in creating and running a successful business. Sessions focused on areas such as positive attitudes and behaviours, effective communication and people skills, marketing, and basic financial management, giving students a practical insight into enterprise and self-employment as potential future career pathways.

Working in small teams, participants were challenged to design their own product or service and develop a business plan around it. Each student took on a specific role within their team, encouraging collaboration, leadership and independent thinking. With support and guidance from FEO’s business professionals, students refined their ideas before presenting them to a judging panel.

Presentations were assessed on a range of criteria, including the originality and viability of the business idea, marketing considerations, financial planning, teamwork and presentation skills. Judges commented on the consistently high standard of work, with a number of team and individual prizes awarded to recognise budding entrepreneurs. 

Reflecting on the experience, Year 8 student Malachy said: “The masterclass gave us a real head start for later in life and helped us understand more about how the world beyond school works. The most important thing I learned was how to work effectively in a group, balancing independence with collaboration. I also feel I developed my leadership skills and confidence throughout the day.”

Viki Foster, school careers leader, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome FEO back to the school. As always, the masterclass offered our students a full day of engaging activities and inspiring talks delivered by local business owners. The students were fully engaged throughout and were a credit to themselves and the school. FEO members were particularly impressed by their business knowledge and awareness of financial markets, with several students receiving recognition for the depth and confidence of their discussions about enterprise.”

A group of Year 9 students recently gained first-hand experience in the healthcare sector after taking part in a career insight day at Hull Royal Infirmary. 

Hosted by Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust at its Clinical Skills Centre, the event offered students an immersive introduction to the realities of working in a clinical environment. The visit also formed part of the school’s Ready 4 Work initiative, which provides structured work experience opportunities for students in Years 7 to 11, in line with updated government guidance.

During the session, students took part in a series of hands-on simulations designed to reflect the day-to-day challenges faced by healthcare professionals. One scenario required participants to identify potential risks on a mock hospital ward, including unattended medication, poorly made beds and trip hazards. Students also explored key principles of infection prevention and control, alongside wider considerations relating to patient safety and experience.

The importance of precise and effective communication in clinical settings was highlighted through an exercise that challenged students to give clear instructions to a partner in a noisy environment, simulating the pressures and distractions of a busy hospital ward. 

Reflecting on the visit, Year 9 student Logan said: “I think workplace visits like this are really valuable because they give you a realistic insight into what a career is actually like, including things you might not expect. One of the most important things I learnt was just how intense hospitals can be, what the wards look like, and how many different career pathways and choices are available within a hospital environment.”

Viki Foster, school careers leader, said: “With our Year 9 students preparing to choose their GCSE options in the new year, the opportunity to broaden their horizons through immersive workplace visits is crucial. Experiences like this allow them to see first-hand the range of pathways available and begin to form a clearer picture of the direction they may wish to take.”

ABOVE: Maisie C gets to grips with an oxygen mask as part of a simulated experience on the ward. 

ABOVE: Among the practical skills covered was how to safely make a hospital bed to avoid patient discomfort.  

ABOVE: A ‘messy ward’ scenario tasked students with identifying potential safety hazards on a mock ward.

Year 7 students enjoyed a festive conclusion to the autumn term with a Christmas Disco, delivered as part of the school’s rewards system. Taking place in the school hall on Thursday 11th December, the event formally recognised students who had demonstrated positive conduct and commitment to learning.

Out of a year group of 143 students, only 20 did not meet the eligibility criteria to attend, meaning the vast majority of Year 7 demonstrated the standards expected of them. Of those eligible, around half chose to attend the disco, reflecting strong engagement with the school’s rewards offer.

Attendance was dependent on students meeting clearly defined expectations, as communicated in assemblies and to parents in advance. These included no late arrivals, no detentions and 100 per cent attendance, with allowances made for exceptional circumstances and medical appointments. Data was monitored over the fortnight leading up to the event to ensure consistency and fairness.

Reflecting on the importance of acknowledging students’ positive behaviour, Assistant Headteacher Matt Burnitt said: “Events such as the Year 7 Christmas Disco are an important part of our rewards system. They recognise students who consistently meet our expectations around attendance, punctuality and behaviour. While it was a fun and memorable way to end the term, it also clearly reinforced the message that positive choices and commitment are noticed and rewarded.”

On the night, students were invited to wear festive partywear and enjoyed dancing to a live DJ playing Christmas classics. A surprise visit from Santa Claus, played by Jason, a Year 11 student, added to the excitement. Refreshments were available from a tuck shop, and many students commented positively on the atmosphere, with several requesting further discos later in the year.

The event also marked an important milestone in community involvement, as it was the first to be formally supported by members of the school’s recently founded Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA). Vice Chair Kim Wallis and PTFA Secretary Michele Daniel managed the box office, collecting ticket money, and supervised the area outside the hall during the event. They also supported staff in ensuring all students were safely collected at the end of the evening.

Proceeds from the £2.50 entry fee and tuck shop profits will go towards fundraising for the Year 7 Residential trip. The event raised a total of £207.35. 

ABOVE: The disco provided Year 7 with an opportunity to celebrate the end of term. 

ABOVE: Miss Wiseman, Head of Year 7, was kept busy all evening running the event's tuck shop.

ABOVE: Year 11 student Jason made an appearance as Santa. 

ABOVE: PTFA Secretary Mrs Daniel and Vice Chair Mrs Wallis supported the event. 

Year 10 geography students have taken part in a workshop introducing the practical applications of hydrogen fuel cells and their emerging role in creating clean energy. 

Delivered by UKSTEM in partnership with the Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology, the activity formed part of UKSTEM’s H2 The Future initiative. The programme aims to demonstrate how hydrogen can support the transition to renewable energy systems by acting as a form of energy storage, produced from sources such as wind, solar, tidal and wave power.

Students were given hands-on experience of hydrogen as an energy carrier by constructing and racing small model vehicles powered by low-pressure hydrogen. Teams competed to achieve either the fastest or the longest-running design, experimenting with fuel-cell management techniques and adjusting load levels to enhance performance. Each buggy was assembled from a kit, enabling students to explore different drive options and compare how their design choices affected efficiency and speed.

Explaining how the project aligned with the geography curriculum, head of humanities Sarah Harris said: “Our Year 10 geographers enjoyed learning about hydrogen as a renewable energy source, how it is stored and its potential commercial applications within the future energy mix. Sustainable energy forms a key part of the GCSE specification, and the growing hydrogen economy in the Humber region makes this particularly relevant to their futures.”

Praising the students’ engagement, Hannah Wilson, head of operations at the Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology, added: “The H2 The Future session with UKSTEM was a fantastic success. Students immersed themselves in designing, building, testing and refining their hydrogen buggies, showing resilience when things did not work the first time. 

“Alongside gaining technical understanding of hydrogen’s role in the UK’s energy transition, they developed essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication. These are valued by employers across every sector. Students also had the opportunity to consider the wide range of roles that support the clean-energy industries, from creative work in branding and marketing to data analysis and people management. Whatever their strengths, there is space for them in shaping a sustainable future.”

Approximately 150 Year 9 students recently took part in a full day of interactive workshops delivered by Prison! Me! No-Way! (PMNW) - a nationally registered charity that works to raise awareness among young people about the causes, consequences and impacts of crime.

Throughout the day, a series of hard-hitting sessions addressed topics including knife crime, county lines drug trafficking, and how a single poor decision can have life-changing effects for both the perpetrators and victims of crime. 

The charity’s mobile prison cell, housed in a converted van, proved to be one of the most striking elements of the programme, giving students a first-hand look at the cramped conditions of custodial life.

Students responded positively to the experience, with Bessie saying: “It was really interesting to gain an insight into prison life and what it’s actually like. Seeing the cell was eye-opening and I hope I never have to see one again. It made me realise how important it is to stay focused on my schoolwork and make good choices for my future.”

Reflecting on the impact of the day, event co-organiser Lucy Hopper said: “Our Year 9 students behaved impeccably and fully engaged with the activities in a mature and focussed way. The impact was clear to see, especially when some of our Year 11 students, who had taken part in PMNW when they were in Year 9, asked to speak with one of the ex-offenders delivering a session. Hearing a personal account of how poor decisions can lead to a prison sentence was incredibly powerful.”


ABOVE: A range of guest speakers, including prison officers and ex-offenders, led workshops throughout the day.

ABOVE: Students were shocked by the cramped conditions of the mobile prison cell.

Christmas spirit was on the menu today as the school’s catering team delivered a hugely successful Christmas Dinner Day. 

Thanks to their hard work and organisation, more than 550 meals were served to students and staff over two sittings.

The menu featured a traditional selection of main courses, including roast chicken and roast gammon, as well as vegetarian options such as Vegetarian Wellington and veggie sausages. These were accompanied by classic trimmings, including pigs in blankets, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, mixed vegetables, and gravy.

A varied assortment of desserts was also served, with choices including Wellington Fudge, Christmas pudding, plain or chocolate chip cookies, gluten-free chocolate cake, Arctic Roll, and custard or festive sauce.

Pauline Steele, Senior Catering Supervisor, said: “Our Christmas Dinner Day is the busiest day of the year for us. With the number of items on the menu and the large volume of diners, it takes around two days of preparation and a great deal of organisation behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. I’d like to thank the team for all their hard work - it all ran like clockwork.”

The second recipients of Withernsea High School’s Artists of the Month award have been announced. 

Introduced in October, the initiative recognises artistic achievement and provides students with a platform to showcase their work. Each month, one winner is selected from Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) and another from Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11), with their artwork displayed in school and featured on its online platforms.

The Key Stage 3 winner for November is Year 8 student Alfie B, whose work was created as part of a project based on the theme of ‘hybrid bugs’. Students were tasked with combining features from different insects to design imaginative new species. Alfie’s submissions, completed in class, were praised for their strong level of detail and originality.

Explaining that his inspiration came from his interest in the appearance and structure of insects, Alfie said: “I really like how bugs look, especially their armour and body shapes. That inspired me to push my limits and be creative with how hybrid bugs might look.” Describing one example, he said: “I combined features of a praying mantis, a scorpion, a firefly and a ladybird.”. Alfie, who also enjoys drawing in his spare time, intends to continue art as a GCSE option when he reaches Key Stage 4.

Meanwhile, the Key Stage 4 award was presented to Year 10 student Elizabeth E, whose work was inspired by American modernist painter Georgia O’Keeffe. Elizabeth used a combination of oil pastels, soft pastels, watercolours and acrylic to create her pieces, which staff described as highly detailed and technically assured.

Reflecting on her win, Elizabeth said: “I was very happy to be named the school’s Key Stage 4 Artist of the Month. I really enjoy art lessons, but I don’t have any plans to continue studying it when I leave school. It’s become a hobby that I’ve really enjoyed getting in to and I’ll definitely carry on with it in my spare time.”

Praising the winners’ efforts, teacher of art Holly Andrews said: “Both Alfie and Elizabeth have produced excellent work, using techniques and detail that show skills beyond their ages. Alfie, as a Year 8 student, is already showing strong promise for future GCSE study. Elizabeth has a great eye for colour and detail and has handled some of the more challenging materials with confidence, creating impressive texture in her work.

“Our Artists of the Month competition is a great way for us to identify and celebrate talent. It's actually quite difficult to choose winners because so many students deserve recognition. There is a real excitement among students, particularly those in Key Stage 4, who are always keen to know who the next winners will be.”  

The initiative forms part of the school’s ongoing commitment to celebrate student success and promote creativity. Winning entries continue to contribute to updated corridor displays, with work also exhibited in the school’s main reception and shared through its website and social media channels.

ABOVE: Pictured left to right is Holly Andrews (teacher of art), Key Stage 3 winner Alfie B, Key Stage 4 winner Elizabeth E and Amy Norris (head of design technology).

ABOVE: Year 8 winner Alfie’s work was inspired by a classroom project on the theme of ‘hybrid bugs.’ The above images show his imaginative combination of a praying mantis, a scorpion, a firefly and a ladybird, and un-bee-lievable detail in his work. 

ABOVE: Inspired by the works of modernist painter Georgia O’Keeffe, Year 10 winner Elizabeth created some impressively detailed floral pieces. 

ABOVE: Each month, the work of the winners is given pride of place in the school’s main reception. 

Last Thursday, December 4, the Hull KR Super League Grand Final trophy tour visited Withernsea High School as part of a wider celebration involving local schools.

Organised by the Hull KR Foundation, the club’s official charity, the event gave staff and students the opportunity to see the trophy up close and take photographs alongside it.  

Jamie Hughes, head of sport and performance, said: “Lots of our students engaged, with more than 200 signing up to enjoy the experience of seeing the trophy in person. Whether they are KR supporters or not, the club’s success is inspirational for all future players. A large number of our students already show a keen interest in rugby, both at school and through participation with a number of local teams.

“Our Year 10 students in particular were eager to get involved, with more than 60 of them seizing the opportunity to have their picture taken with the trophy. On behalf of everyone at Withernsea High School, I would like to congratulate Hull KR on their success and thank the Hull KR Foundation for including us in their schools’ tour.”

The foundation supports communities across Hull and the East Riding through programmes that promote education, health, wellbeing, and social inclusion. By inspiring young people, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and creating opportunities for all, it has helped thousands of children and families engage with rugby, develop essential life skills, and build confidence both on and off the field.

Following the club’s successful 2025 season, during which they won the Super League Grand Final, the Challenge Cup, and the League Leaders’ Shield, a ‘Grand Final Trophy’ schools tour began on November 3.

The tour allows students at both primary and secondary schools across the region to see the trophy first-hand while celebrating Hull KR’s achievements. It follows the Connexin Treble Tour in October, which saw all three trophies displayed at six locations across the region, including The Deep, the Humber Bridge, Hull City Hall, Beverley Minster, East Park, and Bransholme’s North Point Shopping Centre, in celebration of a historic year for the club. 

ABOVE: Year 11 students Ruby T (left) and Ruby D (right) were among those who queued for an opportunity to see the trophy. 

ABOVE: Year 11 student Harry F. 

ABOVE: A number of staff also took the opportunity to view the silverware. Pictured left to right is the school’s head of sport and performance Jamie Hughes, teacher of PE Owen Mountain and assistant headteacher Craig Martin. 

Year 11 students have been honing the skills that will help them unlock future study and employment opportunities, thanks to a programme of events and activities focussed on writing personal statements and preparing for interviews. 

Guiding the students through this process is careers leader Viki Foster, who said: “Personal statements are invaluable. They allow students to promote themselves by highlighting hobbies, interests and what makes them unique. A strong statement demonstrates individuality and captures attention, helping applicants stand out from the crowd.”

As part of the process, students took part in an interview skills workshop. This introduced them to practical interview tips and techniques, covering preparation strategies and the different types of interviews they might face. Students also explored the qualities employers look for in candidates, with emphasis placed on positive body language, including eye contact, upright posture, and a confident handshake. 

One week after the workshop, students put their new skills into action during a structured mock interview day. More than 15 representatives from local employers and education providers, including Wyke 6th Form College, Hull City AFC, Sword Construction and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, interviewed approximately 120 students, each of whom faced five individually tailored questions from their allocated interviewer. 

Reflecting on the event from a visitor’s perspective, James Medcalf, a former student of the school and specialist occupational therapist with the City Healthcare Partnership CIC, said: “The students were fantastic, and it is great to see that the school is still working hard to prepare them for their next chapters. Having been a student at the school myself, and now in successful employment, I know first-hand how supportive the careers programme is and it was a pleasure to return as a representative of the healthcare sector to help motivate and inspire the next generation.”  

Student feedback was equally positive, with Declan K saying: “The mock interview day is an experience that everyone needs for the future, whether they are interviewing for college or work. It helped give a realistic idea of what to expect in those situations.”

Christian H described the interview skills session as extremely useful in preparing for his mock interview and found the interview itself beneficial. “The most valuable part for me was talking to a stranger about their job and their role in their workplace, and experiencing being questioned about myself. The hardest part was speaking one-to-one as it’s something I usually find challenging. The mock interview gave me a clear sense of what to expect and how to prepare for a real interview.”

ABOVE: Harry F (left) and Jason A try out their firm handshakes in the HOP interview skills session. 

ABOVE: Sanna Saidy of the Humber Outreach Programme guides students on using posture and steady breathing to stay confident under interview pressure. 

ABOVE: The mock interview day gave students an opportunity to experience an in-person, one-to-one interview scenario. 

ABOVE: In the foreground, Oakley O waits for his mock interview, while Olivia B is interviewed in the background by Clare Horrigan, operations manager at St Mary’s Sixth Form. 

ABOVE: After leading the interview skills session, HOP’s Sanna Saidy returned as an interviewer to witness students putting their new-found skills into practice.

ABOVE: Savannah B carried herself confidently in an interview with a representative from the healthcare sector.

The inaugural Annual General Meeting of Withernsea High School’s newly established Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) took place last Wednesday, 26th November. 

The meeting brought together parents, carers and staff to formalise the creation of the group and agree its initial direction. Attendees were welcomed and thanked for their support before the purpose of the AGM was outlined, including the adoption of the new Constitution and the election of committee officers.

During the meeting, the Constitution was reviewed and formally adopted, establishing the structure and operating principles that will guide the PTFA’s future work. Elections followed, resulting in the appointment of Mrs Jodie Allen as Chair, Mrs Kim Wallis as Vice Chair, Mrs Chele Daniel as Secretary and Mrs Joanne Willingham as Treasurer. All relevant paperwork was completed and signed by the new officers, and the committee agreed to begin the process of registering the PTFA as a charity to support future fundraising activity.

Members held a detailed discussion about upcoming fundraising opportunities, reflecting the group’s commitment to supporting both the school community and key development priorities. Further input will also be gathered through forthcoming meetings with the school’s Progress Team.

Funds raised through planned activities will contribute to projects identified earlier in the year, including the purchase of anaphylaxis kits, support for educational visits, additional resources for the school’s breakfast club and initiatives linked to attendance, literacy and provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

The date of the next PTFA meeting will be confirmed and shared in due course, with members encouraged to bring forward further ideas to support the group’s aims.

Enquiries about the PTFA, including expressions of interest in joining or volunteering, can be directed to Kim Wallis at wallisk@wscampus.net or by telephone on 01964 613133.