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  • Curious About Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys? Now’s the Time to Visit

    Published 24/06/26

    Curious About Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys? Now’s the Time to Visit

    We are gearing up for an exciting and action-packed Open Week, taking place from 29th June to 3rd July. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience our school in action, explore our facilities and see the incredible work of our students.

    We are delighted to be offering Year 5 families personalised tours throughout the week. These tours give you the chance to meet staff and students, see lessons in action and get a real feel for life at our school. There is still time to book – simply complete the form on our website here.

    A highlight of the week is our Summer Exhibition, showcasing outstanding Art, Graphics and Photography work from students across all Key Stages. Visitors attending tours will be able to view the exhibition during the school day from Wednesday to Friday.

    We warmly invite families to join us for our Summer Exhibition Evening on Wednesday from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. This special event will celebrate student creativity and achievement and will feature a live musical performance from Hawksmoor Primary School alongside our KS3 students. Come along and support our talented students – we would love to see you there. Please note that students must be accompanied by an adult.

    With so much to see, we strongly encourage you to book a tour and come and experience our school for yourself. We look forward to welcoming you.

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  • Heatwave message to Parents/Carers

    Published 22/06/26

    Good afternoon, 

    Due to the warm weather, please see the adapted schedule for:

    Tuesday 23rd June 2026:

    Event Time Please note
    AM Registration 08:40 – 09:05am Y9, PM Ben Kinsella Trip postponed (09P1)
    P1 09:05 – 10:05  
    P2 10:05 – 11:05  
    Break 11:05 – 11:45 Hot food available
    P3 11:45 – 12:45pm  
    P4 12:45 – 13:30  
    End of Day 13:30 School dismissed
    Notes   Y10 exams postponed to w/c 29/06/2026

     

    Wednesday 24th June 2026

    Event Time Please note
    AM Registration 08:40 – 09:30am Y9, PM Ben Kinsella Trip postponed (09P2 & 09O2)
    P1 09:30 – 10:30  
    Break 10:30 – 11:00 Hot food available
    P2 11:00 – 12:00  
    P3 12:00 – 12:45pm  
    End of Day 12:45pm School dismissed
    Notes   Y10 exams postponed to w/c 29/06/2026

    Please note the following:

    • Students are allowed to wear their Woolwich Poly Boys PE kit into school (T-shirt, shorts and suitable footwear). Please note no tracksuits, football kits or hoodies.
    • Bring a refillable water bottle and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
    • Apply sun cream before arriving at school (extra is available in the medical room).
    • Wear a sun hat during break and lunchtime if they wish.
    • Detentions will not go ahead on these days.

    This will continue to be reviewed and we shall send out more details.

    Thank you for your support and cooperation during this time.

    Mr Lawrence
    Headteacher

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  • For Parents/Carers: A calmer way through the school holidays

    Published 19/06/26

    A calmer way through the school holidays 

    The school holidays can be challenging for families — but support is out there.

    This simple, practical parenting approach gives you tools to:
    ✅ Stay calm and connected
    ✅ Reduce conflict at home
    ✅ Respond in a way that works for your family
    ✅ Keep your confidence as a parent

    No judgement. No rigid rules. Just helpful, everyday tools you can use straight away.

    💡 Free and easy to access on your phone

    👉 Get started here:

    NVR Companion App

    NVR Oxleas original booklet (2007).pdf

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  • You're invited! Woolwich Poly Summer Exhibition

    Published 19/06/26

    You’re Invited! Woolwich Poly Summer Exhibition 2026

    Join us as we celebrate the incredible creativity of our students at the Woolwich Poly Summer Exhibition!

    Showcasing outstanding Art, Graphics & Photography work across all Key Stages.

    Featuring a special musical performance from Hawksmoor Primary School and our KS3 students.

    • Thursday 2nd July 2026
    • 4:00pm – 5:30pm
    • Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys

    Come along and support our talented students – we’d love to see you there!

    Please note: students must be accompanied by an adult

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  • Important Medication Reminder for Parents/Carers

    Published 19/06/26

    Dear Families,

    I hope you are well.

    This is a reminder that only students who have been prescribed emergency medication (e.g., adrenaline auto-injectors or inhalers) should carry medication with them whilst at school. All other medications brought onto site must be stored securely in the locked cupboard within the medical room.

    When providing medication, parents must ensure it is:

    • In its original packaging
    • Clearly labelled (and, if prescribed, in the original prescription box)

    Please also complete the medication consent form

    All students diagnosed with anaphylaxis must carry two adrenaline auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen or Jext) with them always. Students with asthma must also always carry their inhaler. This reflects guidance from Allergy UK and Asthma + Lung UK and is essential, particularly for trips and off-site visits.

    Please note that any medication brought into school without prior parental notification and consent will be secured and held in the medical room and cannot be administered until written parental consent has been received.

    For reassurance, the school continues to hold a supply of paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, and throat lozenges, which may be administered during the school day where appropriate. Consent for these medications can be provided via the My Child at School (MCAS) app.

    For further information, please refer to our First Aid and Medication Policy here

    If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

    Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

    Kind regards,
    Miss D. Ainsworth
    Medical Lead & School Nurse

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  • Warm Weather Update for Families

    Published 18/06/26

    Dear Parents/Carers,

    As we are experiencing warmer weather later this week, we would like to inform you of some temporary adjustments to ensure students remain comfortable in school.

    Students are not required to wear blazers, ties or jumpers during this period. However, all other aspects of the school uniform, including lanyards, should continue to be worn as normal. This will be for Friday 19th June, Monday 22nd June, Tuesday 23rd June and Wednesday 24th June.

    We would also like to share some guidance, based on NHS advice, to help students stay safe in the heat.

    Signs of heat exhaustion can include:

    • Tiredness
    • Dizziness
    • Headache
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Excessive sweating, skin becoming pale and clammy
    • Cramps in the arms, legs, or stomach
    • Feeling very thirsty
    • A raised body temperature

    Further information can be found here: NHS Advice

    If students experience any of these symptoms, they should inform a member of staff immediately. Students with medical conditions should also do the same if they begin to feel unwell.

    To help prevent heat exhaustion, we strongly recommend that students:

    • Bring a refillable water bottle and drink plenty of water throughout the day
    • Apply sun cream before arriving at school (extra is available in the medical room)
    • Spend time in shaded or cooler areas where possible
    • Wear a sun hat during break and lunchtime if they wish
    • Ensure they have a healthy breakfast and lunch
    • Wear light, breathable clothing within the school uniform guidelines

    We will continue to monitor the weather conditions and keep you updated if any further changes are required.

    Thank you for your support in helping us keep all students safe and comfortable.

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  • Smart Phone Policy

    Published 15/06/26

    Dear Parent/Carer

    Re: Smart Phone Free Policy

    In line with the Department of Education guidelines around mobile phone in schools and to support a focused and distraction-free learning environment, students are not permitted to bring smartphones onto the school site unless they are securely locked in a designated pouch. These pouches will be checked each morning during registration to ensure that smartphones, earpieces, and smartwatches are properly stored.

    We do not allow the following onsite:

    • Smart phones
    • Smart watches
    • Kindles
    • Tablets/iPad
    • Gaming consoles
    • Earphones and EarPods.


    All smart devices must be always locked in a school-approved pouch while on site and on trips.

    Pouches will be checked daily during morning registration.

    If students wish to bring a phone for emergency use, it must be a brick phone—a basic device with no internet access or camera functionality. This does not need to be in a pouch but cannot be used during school time.

    Any smart devices seen on site outside of a pouch will be confiscated and held until a parent or carer can collect it.

    Brick phones used during the school day will also be confiscated but will be returned to the student at the end of the day.

    Smartphone pouches are available for £10 to be purchased on MCAS.

    A proof of purchase will be required before your son can receive his pouch.


    We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a positive and productive learning environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your son's Head of Year or the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead.

    Kind regards,

    Ms D Kouame
    DSL
    Head of Pastoral team
    Woolwich Polytechnic school

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  • Book a tour today - Summer Open Week Is Nearly Here

    Published 08/06/26

    Book a Tour Today – Summer Open Week Is Nearly Here

    From 29 June to 3 July 2026, Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys is opening its doors for Summer Open Week - a brilliant chance for families to explore secondary school life before the busy autumn season begins.

    We’re excited to share our new Open Week advert, filmed with our fantastic Year 7 students. Their personality, humour and enthusiasm made filming a joy, and the video captures the energy and character of life at the Poly.

    Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2sj5VTBavu

    If you have younger children, or know family members, friends or neighbours who are currently choosing a secondary school, this is the perfect time to encourage them to visit.

    A personalised tour offers the chance to see lessons in action, meet staff and get a real feel for our school community.

    Book a tour today

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  • World Cup Reading Challenge

    Published 08/06/26

    WORLD CUP READING CHALLENGE IS HERE! 

    Our amazing librarian Mrs Hawgood has launched a brand‑new World Cup Reading Challenge - and it’s the perfect way for students to boost their reading skills and score big this summer.

    Students can: • Read football or sport‑themed books • Complete fun mini challenges • Track their “goals” • Earn rewards as they progress

    🏆 Reading Challenges include:

    • A footballer biography
    • A story set during a match
    • World Cup history
    • A book about teamwork
    • Reading for 20 minutes a day

    🎨 Mini Challenges: Design a kit • Create a chant • Write a match report

    🥇 Goal Rewards: 5 books = Bronze 10 books = Silver 15 books = Gold World Cup Bonus = Extra prize!

    🌍 World Cup Mode: Read books from different countries — each one earns a goal!

    Download the World Cup Football Reading Challenge Word Doc Template below:

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  • Gypsy, Roma, Traveller History Month 2026

    Published 03/06/26

    June marks Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, and we are proud to be celebrating across the school.

    To kick things off, a short introductory presentation has been shared, exploring the origins of GRTHM and the rich history of GRT communities.

    This year, we’re taking a slightly different approach. Instead of a competition, students will spend a few minutes each morning discovering a significant individual or aspect of GRT culture and history - designed to fit seamlessly into tutor time.

    Tomorrow’s focus is footballer Jonjo Shelvey, followed by guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt on Friday.

    We are also excited to share that new literature is now available in the library, including a recent release with links to Thamesmead and Abbey Wood - perfect for students to explore further.

    A huge thank you to Miss Tuckwell for coordinating and leading this important celebration, and to Mrs Hawgood for supporting with our library resources.

    Let’s continue to celebrate and learn together.

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  • Missed your school vaccinations? It’s not too late!

    Published 02/06/26

    Missed your school vaccinations? It’s not too late!

    The Greenwich Immunisation Team is running catch-up clinics for young people in Years 8–11 to help make sure they’re fully protected.

    Upcoming clinics:

    Thursday 18 June | 15:15–16:15 Charlton Family Centre, SE7 7EL

    Saturday 27 June | 10:00–14:00 Clockhouse Community Centre, SE18 5QL

    To book an appointment or find out more, scan the QR code on the poster or call 020 3903 3345.

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  • Year 9 Explore Testimony360: A Powerful Encounter with Holocaust History

    Published 21/05/26

    Year 9 Explore Testimony360: A Powerful Encounter with Holocaust History

    On Monday 18th May, our Year 9 students who have chosen GCSE History for next year took part in the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Testimony360 programme - an extraordinary digital learning experience that brings survivor testimony and historical sites directly into the classroom.

    Testimony360 combines interactive, pre‑recorded eyewitness testimony with virtual reality, giving students the chance to ask their own questions to Holocaust survivors and explore key historical locations connected to the Holocaust without leaving school. This innovative approach transforms how young people access and understand survivor stories.

    During the session, students engaged deeply with Manfred’s story - learning about his hometown, his life before the Second World War, the events he endured, and how life changed for him after liberation in 1945. It was a powerful opportunity for students to connect personally with history, reflect on the human impact of the Holocaust, and understand why remembrance and education remain so important.

    A meaningful and memorable experience for all involved.

    Read More

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Hutchins Road
Thamesmead
London
SE28 8AT