Humanities Reading & Research Competition - Black History Month Edition

This October, we're celebrating Black British History through research and creativity! Students are invited to explore inspirational figures from Black History and present their findings in the form of a poster, fact file, or report.

Use your form time discussions and independent research to dive deep into the lives and legacies of Black British icons.

Submit your work to the Humanities Post Box outside Room 70 for a chance to win your own copy of David Olusoga's 'Black and British' as well as 5 House Points!

Let’s honour the past, inspire the future, and celebrate Black History together.

A Remarkable Evening at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys

We are delighted to share that our Open Evening was an outstanding success, marked by an atmosphere of enthusiasm, engagement, and community spirit.

Visitor feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with consistent praise for our staff – described as “amazing,” “impressive,” and “enthusiastic.” Their professionalism and passion left a lasting impression on prospective students and their families, truly showcasing the heart of our school.

Across the building, departments delivered a wide range of engaging and interactive activities that brought learning to life. From hands-on experiments to creative showcases, the energy and innovation on display reflected the dedication of our staff and the vibrant culture of our school.

We would also like to extend our congratulations to Lyonne and Dyuvan, two of our outstanding students, whose speeches were nothing short of phenomenal. Their words captured the essence of what it means to be part of the Poly community and served as a powerful testament to the impact our staff have on students’ journeys.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the evening so memorable.

Black History Month 2025: “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”

The theme for Black History Month UK 2025 is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe. This year, the theme highlights the profound contributions made by Black people, be they leaders, activists, or pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth.

Black History Month Website

The theme focuses on two core values: power and pride.

Power represents the influence, leadership, and capacity to effect positive change. It acknowledges the visionaries who have led political, civil rights, and social movements, as well as those who have broken barriers in business, education, and the arts. Their legacies remind us that true power is not about titles but about the collective strength, courage, and unity used to forge a more equitable future for all.

Pride reflects cultural identity, heritage, and the celebration of Black excellence. From the art and music to the stories passed through generations, pride is the heartbeat of Black communities worldwide. It’s about knowing where we come from, embracing our history, and walking boldly into the future without compromise or apology. Pride is a declaration of the beauty, the resilience, and the unmatched contributions of Black culture to the world.

Black History Month 2025 will honour key anniversaries, including the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act, the death of Malcolm X, and the Bristol Bus Boycott, led by the late Paul Stephenson. These milestones serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, and the tireless efforts of those who have fought for the rights of Black people and communities.

This year’s theme is not only about remembrance but a call to action. It invites individuals and communities to stand firm in their power with pride, and to actively shape a world where Black voices are heard, valued, and celebrated. Black History Month 2025 will challenge us to break down barriers, continue pushing for progress, own our spaces and walk confidently into the future.

Explore Black History Month Together

To support and enrich our celebration of Black History Month, we’ve curated a list of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and elements of popular culture that families can explore together outside of school.

This resource is designed to spark meaningful conversations, deepen understanding, and celebrate the richness of Black heritage and culture.

We’ve included suggestions for:

• KS2 parents and carers looking to engage younger children
• KS3 students eager to explore independently or with family

From inspiring stories to powerful poetry and thought-provoking documentaries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

GCSE Results Day Highlights - Now Live on YouTube!

We are so proud to share our latest GCSE Results Day videos, now available to watch on our YouTube Channel.

Capturing these moments on film allows us to relive the pride, joy, and emotion of one of the most meaningful days in our school calendar. It’s a powerful celebration of the hard work, resilience, and achievements of our Year 11 students - and a heartfelt reflection of the incredible support from our dedicated staff and wider school community.

At PolyMAT, our vision is success for everyone, and these results days are a powerful reminder of that commitment. Whether academic, creative, or personal, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are proud to provide an environment where that’s possible.

A huge thank you to all the staff and students who took part in the filming and helped capture the spirit of the day. Your contributions made it truly memorable.

Head over to our channel to watch the highlights and celebrate with us!

As part of their enrichment in product design and art, Year 12 and 13 students recently visited IKEA Greenwich for a tailored educational experience exploring the brand’s design ethos and workplace culture.

The trip offered students a unique opportunity to engage with IKEA’s sustainable design principles, democratic design philosophy, and customer-centric innovation. Through guided tours and interactive sessions, students gained valuable insights into how IKEA balances functionality, affordability, and aesthetics – providing real-world inspiration for their coursework. The visit also included conversations with staff about career pathways and the collaborative, inclusive environment that defines working at IKEA. It was a rewarding experience that brought design theory to life and sparked fresh ideas for future projects.

Poly Poetry Competition 2025

The theme is PLAY and we want to hear your voice!

Write a poem (short, long, rhyming, free verse, a riddle, or even a limerick!) and be in with a chance to win one of five £5 gift vouchers to spend at the Book Fair on 10th October!

Open to all year groups

Deadline: Thursday 2nd October 2025

Send your entries to Mrs Hawgood - Our wonderful School Librarian

Let your creativity play!