Summer Music Concert and Walk to School Week

Summer Music Concert

Last night we held our annual Gateway Summer Concert which was held to showcase some of our choirs and instrumental groups, and what a fabulous evening it was. An audience of over 100 parents and friends were invited to partake of Pimms and strawberries before what was to be a musical extravaganza of musical styles. The evening began with a rousing version of 'Singing Together' sung by the 48 strong Senior Choir, a song learnt by the choir for the Young Voices Concert at the O2 in February and a two part version of Chim-Chim-Cheree from Mary Poppins. Trumpet Club, led by our very talented Mr Wallace, played a couple of numbers, including Camptown Races. Next, Chamber Choir reprised one of the songs they sang at the National Choral Competition finals - 'Rio Rio' and a beautiful, lyrical arrangement of 'Feed the Birds', another number from Mary Poppins.

Orchestra performed three short pieces for us - a rhythmic 'Tango', 'Half Minute Waltz' and 'Ode to Joy' by Beethoven; it was super to hear instruments from every section of the orchestra! Staff Choir entertained us with 'Somewhere only we know', by Keane and 'Africa' by Toto, accompanied by Senior Choir. Senior Choir took to the stage once more and sang 'Go the Distance' from Hercules, 'Be Cool' by the choral composer Bob Chilcott and a two part arrnagement of the Bruno Mars classic 'Count on me'. Following this, Chamber Choir sang their last set, 'Pure Imagination', from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and a new song to our repertoire, 'One and a million' by Emily Barden.

The evening ended on an emotional high - all the choirs joined forces for a brilliant performance of 'This is me' from The Greatest Showman. What a truly fantastic evening! Thank you to all the staff, parents and friends for their encouragement and enthusiastic applause and as ever, for supporting us.

Mrs Izard

Walk to School Week

This week was National Walk to School Week and it was great to see the Sun shining on Monday morning! The Year 6 helpers, all from 6WOH, did a great job getting into school promptly at 8:00 to greet and tally the walkers with a friendly and enthusiastic manner - a big thank you to all of them.

We had a fantastic turnout in the warmth on Tuesday and Wednesday and it is always a pleasure to see smiling children arriving in school on a bright, sunny morning.

The House competition was close for the whole week and, by the end of Friday morning for the first time in WTSW history, we had a tie for first place with BARNADO and BRUNEL tallying 194 walkers. JENNER and SEACOLE were in 3rd and 4th respectively. Well done to all of the children who walked and contributed to their House totals

Altogether just over half of the children were counted and the Year 6s put in an impressive effort with 65% walking. Year 4 deserve a mention for their overall 54% - all other year groups were close behind.

On Wednesday afternoon, all of the Year 5 children were given their Stage 3 Footsteps (Road Safety) Training, out on the local roads. This was only possible with the help of our parent volunteers: Mr Cook, Mrs Grant, Mrs Owers and Mrs Satterly, who gave up their time to pass on important road safety information - a very big thank you to them all. The programme of training is key to giving our Year 6s the confidence to walk short distances independently and is an important part of their future transition to Senior School. The feedback from Year 5 was very positive - they all appreciated the guidance given.

Thank you to all parents who gave their children the opportunity to walk to school this week - if you have the chance - please keep walking!

Mr Bridges

View photos here