Withernsea High School

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.

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    

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.”